Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, July 18
Best bet: ALBEDO (10)
Best value: KOSUKE (8)
FIRST: Bernietakescharge makes third start of form cycle; class drop seals the deal. Smokin' Hot Kitty has won three of last four; dangerous. Racing Colors could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Oh My Mia set fast fractions when breaking maiden in last; takes another. Will Be Famous also owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Six Pack Senorita needed last and is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
THIRD: Tipsy Runner drops and owns fast back numbers; forward move predicted. Supers Lucky Lady was done in by pace pressure last time; worth long look. Quiescent could play out as the dominant speed.
FOURTH: The Big Torpedo was a visually impressive winner in last; pairs up. Courtly Banker was a front-end second behind top pick in last; very interesting. B D Saints should move forward with return to turf.
FIFTH: Sweet Soddy J was an even fourth versus pricier at Laurel last out; blinkers off seals the deal. Stingy should be aided by today's additional sixteenth. Squints has finished second in last three; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Abientot was a useful fourth in debut; more to give. Gathered concluded work tab with half-mile bullet; follow the money. Moon Gate bested top selection by nearly a length when a front-end third in first start; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Reserve Currency makes first start since claimed by Mike Maker after clear-cut score in last; quick dividends. Two for Charging was a determined winner in last and owns faster back figures; very dangerous. Own the Field, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, was a game second on Spa loam on June 7; must consider.
EIGHTH: Kosuke projects as the main speed on the hedge. Sweet Dutchess could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Catskill Humor was a game second in lone start on Spa sod; worth long look.
NINTH: Mixologist tallied swift late-pace figure when a determined winner in debut; takes another. Dancing Dean exits surging maiden score in last; very playable. Takemetothebeach, another last-race winner, owns positional speed in bulky field; don't ignore.
10TH: Albedo is training sharply for first start since November; first-time Lasix is the clincher. Braca was second to a much-the-best winner in last; big-time player. Hey Toby, eased in last, is a front-end threat if all is well. Senegal, a first-time gelding, compiled tight work tab for first start since last summer; very interesting.
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