Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, July 24

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comJuly 20, 2024

Best bet: INTERNAL CAPITAL (5)

Best value: QUITE CONTINENTAL (9)

FIRST: Conniving is rested, drops and owns fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Shakin the Belle gets favorable cutback to 6 furlongs. Two Tons of Fun should move forward with return to dirt.

SECOND: Sky Masterson was an improved fifth in first grass start; more to come. Out On Bail could get the early jump in bulky field. Pay the Juice noticeably picked up the tempo in final work; follow the money.

THIRD: Duckphat packs potent late kick on "A" efforts. Mel's Baby Sister is fresh and training with a purpose. Strong Play made a strong late rally to win debut; dangerous.

FOURTH: Barron's Bounce should find a mile on dirt right in his wheelhouse. Big Ego, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, looms the main speed; big-time threat. Triple Word Score could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

FIFTH: Internal Capital gets confident price boost and owns fast turf numbers. Bramito makes first start since gelded; very interesting. Funny Uncle drops and would be aided by fast fractions.

SIXTH: Im Just Kiddin is working sharply for first start since January and owns a win on Spa sod. Can't Fool Me was a determined winner in last and owns faster back numbers; very playable. Spinning Colors, 1-for-1 on Saratoga turf, owns strong late wallop but will offer short odds.

SEVENTH: Sterling Silver was a non-stressful third in last; more to give. Spirit Wind is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Hot Fudge can impact from on or off the pace; worth long look.

EIGHTH: Street Ready gets class relief and compiled swift work tab for first start since March. Bourbon Day owns fast late-pace figures and could be prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Paros exits tenacious victory in last; must be factored into the mix.

NINTH: Quite Continental tallied swift final fraction in lone grass start; first start for Linda Rice seals the deal. Lucky and Gorgeous made sustained rally when a sharp second last out; dangerous. War Terminatrix drops and makes peak start of form cycle; don't ignore. Tongue Twister owns speed and needed last; very interesting.