Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 14

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 10, 2025

Best bet: RIYADH MOON (2)

Best value: GOTTA GUY (5)

FIRST: Raghba was a tough-trip fifth in last; forward move predicted. Bon Vivant owns sprinter's speed and could play out as the controlling front-runner. Green Jobs moves to dirt for Chad Brown; be aided by pace meltdown.

SECOND: Riyadh Moon drops after being dueled into defeat last time; longer trip plays to strength. Golden Symphony was rested after fast-figured score on June 22; dangerous. Heavyweight Champs is speedy and rates a puncher's chance at fat price.

THIRD: In the Dark drilled three times since clear-cut second in debut at Monmouth; takes next step. Hellacious, another that arrives from Jersey, moves to grass after game placing in first start; dangerous. Cuando's speed must be respected.

FOURTH: Makes Sense tallied swift late-pace and final figures when breaking maiden by seven lengths last out; pairs up. Tactical Trackstar, another last-race maiden winner, could play out as the main speed. Ranger Battalion is riding a two-race winning streak; must consider.

FIFTH: Gotta Guy should pack amplified wallop with cutback to mile. Dark Vector is training sharply for first start in 20 months; worth long look. True Connection is right in the thick of this on "A" efforts.

SIXTH: Throckmorton should be tighter in second start; timid call in 13-horse field with 11 newcomers. Augustinian, the other experienced runner, delivered strong efforts in both starts; logical. Belgian (George Weaver barn) and Green Screen (fired bullet to conclude work tab) are firsters that must be factored into the mix.

SEVENTH: Friend Ofthe Devil is speedy and 3-for-3 on grass; more to come. George Briggs is rested and training sharply for Chad Brown; obvious danger. Moe Eighty Eight could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

EIGHTH: Grey Ace adds blinkers and makes third start of form cycle; breakthrough predicted. Seeker's Hope drops and returns to dirt; wake-up potential. Freedom Maker should be aided by cutback to sprint.

NINTH: Steadfast Resolve will possess intensified kick with cutback to shorter route. Enlighten lost a head bob for all the money last time; be no surprise. Heathguard could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

10TH: Wind Dancer has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course; set for best in third start since layoff. Naguile bested top selection by more than a length when third in debut; big-time threat. Blue Pill could land in exotics at fat number if fractions get hot and hectic. Deemer makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; must consider.