Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Sunday, Aug. 18
Best bet: LUCKY AND GORGEOUS (6)
Best value: BADLANDS RULER (9)
FIRST: Buriana was a much-improved second in last; slight cutback seals the deal. Claire's Charm is training swiftly for white-hot barn; could be the goods. Briland is from a dam whose only foal to race was a stakes winner; charting a must.
SECOND: Shade of Pale tallied fast late-pace figure when second to a repeat winner last time; breaks through today. Past Tense could prove very tough on a soft lead. Jitterbug was a clear-cut second in last; must be factored into the mix.
THIRD: Donegal Surges consistently logs field's fastest final fractions. Cicciobello could play out as the controlling speed. Maker's Candy is another that will be favorably positioned near the front; worth long look.
FOURTH: Raging projects as the main speed in turf debut. Irish Tenor, a wire-to-wire maiden winner in last, could transfer razor-sharp form to grass. Kreesa would be aided by pace meltdown.
FIFTH: Didinger regressed in last after fast-figured third in prior; 3-furlong bullet on Aug. 4 seals the deal. I Got No Munny was a game second last out after more than a year layoff; bounces today? Nelson Avenue makes third start of form cycle; very interesting.
SIXTH: Lucky and Gorgeous was a tough-trip fifth in last; improvement predicted. Watch Over Me owns speed, adds blinkers and drops; front-running threat. Starlight Dancer was a willing second in last; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Viggiedal moves to turf after being done in by sizzling splits last time; main speed with proper ride. Me Governor, also is fleet-footed and could prove very tough if able to clear top pick. Mighty Eriu makes stateside debut for Brendan Walsh; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Albedo was a non-stressful sixth in last; forward move expected. Senegal gets Lasix after speed and fade in most recent; price will be tempting. Berning Beauty drops and was gelded since last start; wake-up potential.
NINTH: Badlands Ruler gets class relief after engaging swift splits last out; speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Super Chief also drops and owns fast figures on "A" efforts. Blue Plate Special could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
10TH: A Maize Zing Dotie has won three straight at Finger Lakes; ready for prime time. Jackson Avenue could be in the garden spot if top pick hits the wall. Foxy Cara packs potent late kick on best races.
11TH: Marwad is rested and drops two price levels; call based on price. Ever Dangerous compiled tight work tab for first start since June 2023; dangerous if ready. Bourbon Day consistently fires big efforts but will offer short price; mixed message. Harrow gets confident price hike in first start since claimed by Saffie Joseph Jr.; must be factored into the mix.
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