Best bet: SPUN SIZE (7)
Best value: QUITE CONTINENTAL (8)
FIRST: Tim and Sam was a useful fifth in debut; added ground should play to strength. Jack’s World makes first start for the white-hot Linda Rice barn; follow the money. Stickupwithoutagun, another newcomer, fired eye-catching half-mile bullet on July 25; charting a must.
SECOND: Invictus drops and adds blinkers; forward move predicted. Dreamlike logged three tight works last month for return from a 10-week layoff; dangerous. The Boondocker could prove tough on an unchallenged lead.
THIRD: Sheer Will dons the shades and could secure clear lead in weak field. Baby Sassicaia owns three seconds and a third from five starts; another minor award? Contract Law is quick from gate and should offer generous price; don’t ignore.
FOURTH: Kerry could play out as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Firsttimeinforever could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Weekend Rags is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
FIFTH: Vintage Vino should pack amplified kick with cutback to mile. The Nominees Are fits Chad Brown’s signature pattern; big-time player. Suspiciously Named was a front-running second at 33-1 last out; puncher’s chance at beefy odds.
SIXTH: Sunday Boy was a clear-cut second in debut; timid call in eight-horse field with five newcomers. Valentine Crusader battled throughout when a game second in first start; logical contender. Arctic Beast is by a win-early sire; stay tuned to the tote.
SEVENTH: Spun Size owns a stalker’s style that should play well in likely pace dynamics. Feasible could prove very tough if able to make early lead from the rail. Golden Irish, another that’s speedy, might be able to secure the top from second selection; must consider.
EIGHTH: Quite Continental is rested and logged only win when coming off the bench. Will Not Be Swayed could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Starlight Dancer and Silent Melody are two more that could impact if fractions get hot and hectic.
NINTH: Twirling Queen fired half-mile bullet since being done in by sizzling splits last time; tighter today. Future Is Now fires big efforts with machinelike consistency; very dangerous. Gal in a Rush and Dontlookbackatall are uncoupled runners from the Miguel Clement barn that both pack a strong kick on “A” efforts; neither would surprise.
10TH: Twohonestmischief logged crisp half-mile drill since failing to fire in slop last time; improvement predicted. Chris’s Song could play out as the main speed on the fence with aggressive handling; very dangerous. Solo Jim made sustained run to pass eight rivals when second in last; worth long look. Kaz Oil Changer gets favorable cutback to mile; must be factored into the mix.
#Steve #Matthews #Saratoga #selections #Friday #Aug
