Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 8

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comUpdated August 3, 2024

Best bet: FLIRTING WITH TIME (6)

Best value: GOOD JUJU (8)

FIRST: Route Sensation adds blinkers since tough trip in debut; three works to follow seal the deal. Blakely's Wish is from a dam that has produced two stakes winners; could be the goods. Endless Vow is bred to win early; charting a must.

SECOND: Passive Management tallied swift late-pace figure when third in debut; more to come. Trulli Warrior could improve with switch to sod. Legitimize compiled tight work tab for first start since February; don't ignore.

THIRD: Light Man could be ideally positioned in field with ample speed. Rotknee is another that could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Looms Boldly looms the swiftest of the swift with aggressive handling; right in the thick of this.

FOURTH: Storm the Streets popped and stopped in debut; tighter today. Friday Surprise displayed good late kick when second in first start; very dangerous. Eighty West compiled tight work tab since placing in debut; must consider.

FIFTH: Aspen Grove consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Dreaming of Mo exits determined score at Churchill Downs last time; big-time player. Be Your Best tallied both wins on Spa sod; must be factored into the mix.

SIXTH: Flirting With Time cut fast fractions and folded in debut; barn reaches for go-to rider. And One More Time failed to fire when favored in debut; improvement expected. Mean Eileen, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, tallied swift works for first start; follow the money.

SEVENTH: The Taco Lady projects as the main speed in first start since claimed by Linda Rice. Cararra could be the prime beneficiary if top pick hits the wall. Autumn's Turn should move forward with return to dirt; price will be tempting.

EIGHTH: Good Juju made last-to-first rally to win last; pairs up. Nelson Avenue drops after speed and fade in last; dangerous. Radical Right is rested and gets class relief; right in the thick of this on "A" game.

NINTH: Patria is riding a two-race winning streak; versatile running style seals the deal. Mz Big Bucks owns speed and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Weekend Rags consistently delivers strong efforts; worth long look.

10TH: Ninja Abarrio should pack enhanced kick with slight cutback in distance. Busy Morning drops and makes third start of form cycle; very playable. Goats On a Tree closes strongly on best efforts. Sizzle is another that runs late; must be factored into the mix.