Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 7

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 3, 2024

Best bet: RIVERWALK (9)

Best value: CUPID'S HEART (8)

FIRST: Hold Hard is riding a two-race winning streak. Clara Belle was a "wrapped up" winner over the Aiken jumps last out; consider. Hidden Path, another last-race winner, has trained sharply in the interim.

SECOND: Thankfully battled through fast fractions when second in debut; softer flow today. Will Not Be Swayed could be the prime beneficiary if top selection wilts in the stretch. Gerlin's Empire was a clear-cut second in debut; must consider.

THIRD: Rider's Special should find 7 furlongs right in his wheelhouse. Dillinger won by more than eight lengths in first start on Spa loam last time; very dangerous. Fighting Back, another last-race winner, owns faster back numbers; worth long look.

FOURTH: Barrage is rested, training sharply and owns two wins on Saratoga grass. Victors Valiant could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Into It is 1-for-1 on Spa turf; must be factored into the mix.

FIFTH: Unsung Melody owns stalker's style in field with ample speed. Speedy Traveler and Lady Milagro leave the gate in a rush and must avoid front-end duel for best chance. L Street Lady could impact if fractions get hot and hectic.

SIXTH: Grammy Girl owns speed and drops two price levels; forward move predicted. Backstretch Rose packs potent kick on best efforts; very playable. Karen's Honor displayed improved speed in last; worth long look.

SEVENTH: Xcellent Men is rested, gets class relief and owns fast numbers on "A" efforts. On the Ledge broke maiden by more than nine lengths last out; dangerous. Muazarah owns speed and rates a puncher's chance at a playable price.

EIGHTH: Cupid's Heart logged two sharp works since determined score in last; more to come. Sterling Silver has faced tougher in last few starts; big-time player. Smokin' Hot Kitty has won four of last five; right in the thick of this.

NINTH: Riverwalk fired two half-mile bullets since wide trip versus pricier last time; breakthrough predicted. Steadfast Resolve was pace- and trip-compromised last time; very dangerous. El Alacran is speedy and rested; worth long look. Fire Baron was second at 41-1 last time; don't ignore.