Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 12
Best bet: BELLS BEACH (8)
Best value: PASCHAL MOON (2)
FIRST: Reliable Lady should move forward with return to dirt. Martingale gets favorable cutback to 7 furlongs. Ascension could improve with switch to turf.
SECOND: Paschal Moon projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Dillinger makes first start with claiming tag. Stromquist would be aided by pace meltdown.
THIRD: Tom Collins gets Lasix for first start since October; breakthrough predicted. Inherent Promise owns competitive numbers and could get overlooked in the betting. Storm Ready and Tiz Wicked Strong both pack potent late kicks; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Sesame Seed Bagel was a clear-cut second in last; more to give. Aleah Aleah is speedy and should be aided by turnback to sprint. Twenty Six Black consistently delivers strong efforts.
FIFTH: Gangly is fresh and owns a favorable stalker's style. Funny Joke was done in by scorching splits last time; dangerous. Charging Aero should improve with return to dirt.
SIXTH: Classic Time could get early jump in field that's jammed with newcomers. Strengthnguidance made incremental move on the numbers last time; worth long look. Reteko and Replevin are firsters with solid work tabs; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Our Country is rested and owns fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Mauritius, a front-end winner in last, could play put as the main speed once again. Classic Creation compiled tight work tab for first start since April; must consider.
EIGHTH: Bells Beach tallied swift final fraction when breaking maiden last out; takes another. Striker Has Dial owns speed and fast figures; big-time player. Miss Justify was a fast-figured winner in last; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Dancing Duchess should pack amplified kick with cutback to abbreviated sprint. Baraye could play out as the swiftest of the swift. Toupie was a determined winner in last; worth long look.
10TH: Torpedo Run, a classic Chad Brown profile runner, projects as the controlling speed on the rail. Adventurous Spirit exits game placing in last. Dangerous Driver is competitive on "A" efforts; worth long look at long price. Over and Ollie makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; don't ignore.
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