Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 29
Best bet: SKYLER'S STARSHIP (9)
Best value: ANOTHERDAYGONEBY (2)
FIRST: Correlation moves to grass in first start for Mike Maker barn; main speed. Jus Too Fly could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Papa's Nico Boy owns turf breeding on both sides of pedigree.
SECOND: Anotherdaygoneby gets price boost after clear-cut score in last; takes another. Mon Petit Chou finished second in last two; another placing? My First Love is riding a forward line on the numbers; must consider.
THIRD: Sweet Anniversary logged impressive wins in both starts at Finger Lakes; ready for prime time. Evaluation was a fast-figured winner in debut; very dangerous. Cruise to Catalina logged three sharp works since game second in last; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Steadfast Resolve was compromised by slow fractions last time; four works in the interim seal the deal. Call Protection moves to grass for Chad Brown; need more? John the Baptist was an improved second in last; worth long look.
FIFTH: Malibu Moonshine drops and owns fast figures on "A" efforts. It Takes Heart could play out as the controlling speed. Hazardous Humor makes third start of form cycle; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: T Kraft could capitalize on softer flow at longer trip. Spurgeon moves to dirt after firing 5-furlong bullet last week; very interesting. Filoso is another that logged day's best work after last race; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Vintage Vino should pack amplified wallop with cutback to shorter route. Commander of Truth makes turf debut for Chad Brown; obvious player. Inherent Promise is fresh and owns solid numbers; must be considered.
EIGHTH: Bustin Shout is rested and training consistently; call in bottom-of-the barrel claimer. Emerald Forest owns fast figures but takes troubling price drop; damaged goods? Chateau exits front-end score versus pricier last time; going in the wrong direction.
NINTH: Skyler's Starship bounced last time after fast-figured efforts in prior two; rebounds. Jaa Mode could prove very tough on a soft lead. Merlin's Moment would be aided by pace meltdown.
10TH: Reach for the Rose returns to turf after front-end maiden score last time; Edgard Zayas back on for Saffie Joseph Jr. Tenacious Leader outworked 95 rivals in half-mile bullet on Spa sod last week; very playable. Zulu Kingdom makes stateside debut for Chad Brown; right in the thick of this.
11TH: Creditworthy fits the classic Chad Brown profile. Speed Figures could play out as the speed of the speed. Summer in Erin hails from potent first-out barn. Reverend Moon, an uncoupled barn mate of "Erin," is rested and gets Lasix; don't ignore.
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