Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 21
Best bet: FAST MARKET (7)
Best value: KHALI MAGIC (8)
FIRST: Intentious was rested after fast-figured win at Finger Lakes on June 26; crisp half-mile work for return seals the deal. Accelerated News exits 12-length maiden score in last; very dangerous. City Blocks, another last-race winner, could get overlooked in the wagering.
SECOND: St. Brigid's Cross drops into maiden claimer after even fourth in last; forward move predicted. Irtiqaa is from a dam that has thrown two turf winners; charting a must. Taken by the Wind, another newcomer, is training swiftly for debut; must consider.
THIRD: Lottie Margaret tallied solid final fraction when winning Finger Lakes stake last out; keeps on giving. Kay Cup has trained with a purpose since winning two straight this past spring; big-time player. Carmen's Candy Jar should improve with return to dirt; worth long look.
FOURTH: Miztertonic was pace- and trip-compromised when second in last; gets there today. Mo Kreesa owns positional speed and could secure clear lead with heads-up handling. Ortus was a non-stressful sixth in last; don't ignore.
FIFTH: Devilish Grin logged solid placings in both starts; takes next step. Pan Pan adds blinkers after displaying improved speed in last; very interesting. Makealittlelove debuts for streaking George Weaver barn; follow the money.
SIXTH: Salt Princess was a much-improved second in last; more to give. Sparkling Mama was less than two lengths behind top pick after showing good early foot in debut; dangerous. Jetty's Home, a game second in last, makes first start since moving to Saffie Joseph barn; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Fast Market was a change-of-pace second in last; three works in the interim clinches it. Gellhorn owns speed and could prove tough on an unchallenged lead. Shades of Jade was a tough-trip second in lone start; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Khali Magic gets confident price boost in first start since claimed and projects as the main speed with proper ride. Cupid's Heart bounced last time after fast-figured placing in prior; rebound threat. Lemon Muffin could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Iron Dome has won last two starts by a combined 21 lengths; more to come. Train the Trainer is fleet-footed and riding a three-race winning streak; very playable. Hit the Post also owns speed and fired crisp half-mile work since last start; don't ignore.
10TH: Giuliana's Dream has strong turf bloodlines and owns speed and gets first-time Lasix; wire to wire. No Ordinary Love, a hard-charging second in last, will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Stormy Central is a newcomer that turned up the tempo in final two works; could be the goods. Garden of Grace was a late-running third in last; don't overlook.
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