Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Saturday, Aug. 3
Best bet: WARRIOR JOHNY (11)
Best value: CALIFORNIA FROLIC (13)
FIRST: Reach for the Rose should appreciate today's added ground. Clock Tower showed speed in debut and could play out as the controlling front-runner. Assertiveness (fast works) and Asbury Park (turf breeding) are newcomers that must be respected.
SECOND: The Toner was more than nine lengths clear of third runner when second last time; gets there today. Probability noticeably picked up the tempo in final work; stay tuned to the tote. Friend Ofthe Devil is another that ended training slate with swift drill; charting a must.
THIRD: Movie Moxy gets class relief after tough trip last out. Deck of Cards has won five in a row and will attract the bulk of the cash. Batucada regressed in last after two fast-figured efforts; worth long look.
FOURTH: Midnight Concerto tallied fast late-pace figure when third in turf debut; more to give. Dusk owns speed and starts from the hedge; dangerous. Baroness Bourbon can land in exotics at beefy number.
FIFTH: Cyclone State fired 5-furlong bullet since tough-trip fourth in debut. I Got Game outworked 103 rivals in half-mile drill last week; big-time player. Shot in the Dark is from a dam that has produced four winners from five foals to race; don't dismiss.
SIXTH: Discreet Dancer is oozing with win-early pedigree. Ripped compiled sharp work tab; follow the money. El Prestigio is the only member of this 10-horse field that has been to the post; must consider.
SEVENTH: Cugino can win from on or off the pace; six tight works since last start seal the deal. Deterministic was a clear-cut second in lone grass start. Diego Velazquez was a seven-length winner in Ireland just 16 days ago; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Ways and Means is fresh and loves Spa loam. Denim and Pearls is firing bullets for first start since May. Brightwork is 2-for-2 at Saratoga; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: More Than Looks is training swiftly for first start since last fall. Swiftsure is swift and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Big Everest is another that's speedy and must be factored into the mix. Johny's Fireball could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
10TH: Cogburn is rested and 2-for-2 on Spa sod. Witty could be in the garden if fractions get fast and furious. Grooms All Bizness is right in the thick of this on "A" effort.
11TH: Warrior Johny tallied sizzling late-pace figure when winning on July 11; ready for prime time. National Treasure, a front-running winner of Met Mile in last; is likely to attract the bulk of the cash. First Mission is competitive on best races.
12TH: Zadorsky logged rapid final fraction when a four-length victor last out; pairs up. Bon Adieu looms the main speed with aggressive handling. St. Benedicts Prep fires strong efforts with machinelike consistency.
13TH: California Frolic is fresh, drops and packs potent late kick on best races. Beuys was compromised by wide trip last time. Freedom Trail is training swiftly for first start since last fall. Reckoning Force would be aided by fast fractions.
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