Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, July 19
Best bet: ANY PORT (9)
Best value: ARIANA RYE (10)
FIRST: Governor Sam compiled tight work tab for first start since May; main speed. Dew was an improved fourth in last; worth long look. America's Honor could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Wings Like Eagles was pace- and trip-compromised last time; forward move predicted. Unicorn Cake drilled three times since last start; price will be tempting. From Hello regressed in last after game third in prior; bounce-back potential.
THIRD: Elephants Ear fired 5-furlong bullet since fast-figured score last out; takes another. Unmatched Wisdom has impressed when winning both starts; could easily take another. Corporate Power is fresh and right in the thick of this on best efforts.
FOURTH: Six Percent was a useful third in first start since two-month absence; forward move predicted. Rocco Strong tallied fast late-pace figure when second on first day of meet; very playable. Commandperformance takes precipitous price plunge; fire sale?
FIFTH: Positive Carry makes first start with maiden-claiming tag for Chad Brown; prohibitive price is the problem. Day Away is favorably posted on tight-turned course. Capo Donna displayed improved speed in last; odds will be tempting.
SIXTH: Joker On Fire concluded work tab with 5-furlong bullet; ready at first asking. Saratoga Warrior is another newcomer that's training swiftly; charting a must. The Toner owns speed but lacks heart; mixed message.
SEVENTH: Chateau makes quick return and drops after speed and fade last week; timid call in race that's loaded with price plungers. Lafitte's Fleet could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Emerald Forest and Super Chief both own fast figures on best efforts.
EIGHTH: Sam's Treasure projects as the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Tricky Temper should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Roswell could impact if fractions get hot and hectic.
NINTH: Any Port displayed improved speed in last; gets top prize with return to rating tactics. Vino Rouge notched sold final fraction when a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. More Mango logged two of her three wins on Spa sod; don't overlook.
10TH: Ariana Rye is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; solid works on Saratoga grass seal the deal. Heart of the Night drilled three times since clear-cut placing in last; very dangerous. Cerretta could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Geopolitics has finished second in all three outings; another minor award?
