Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 2
Best bet: ZVEREV (9)
Best value: QUIET CONFIDENCE (1)
FIRST: Quiet Confidence made middle move into hot pace and faltered in debut; tighter today. Patty Brown Eyes has finished second in both starts; runner-up again? Two Sharp has trained sharply since second in well-bet debut; big-time danger.
SECOND: Fly Right is fresh and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag. Tiz Wicked Strong will benefit from fast fractions. Hurricane Express makes second start for Chad Brown; must consider.
THIRD: Laughing Boy drops and projects as the main speed. Costa Terra could be in the garden if top selection wilts. Power Seeker has finished second in three of last four starts; use in gimmicks.
FOURTH: Gone and Forgotten is rested and owns fast back numbers. Tricky Temper bounced last time after fast-figured third in prior. Athena Beach could play out as the controlling speed on the rail. Missing Fortune owns a win and a second in two starts on Spa loam; don't ignore.
FIFTH: Pay the Bills drops into maiden claimer for Chad Brown. Fantasy Performer, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, fits the same profile; take better priced of the two. Luna Love should move forward with return to grass.
SIXTH: Ghostlyprince must overcome daunting post but gets class relief, is riding a forward line on the numbers and should offer generous ticket. Unleash the Power took backward step in last after game placing in prior; rebound potential. Emirates Road also bounced in last start and now makes first outing since claimed by Brad Cox; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Foxy Cara switches to distance of lone victory. Santagata was a clear-cut maiden winner in last; dangerous. Maggie T will be favorably positioned near the front; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Cinderella's Dream made wide, sustained rally to win stateside debut; more to come. Dancing N Dixie also made strong run to win last; very playable. Macanga could prove very tough to collar if allowed a soft lead.
NINTH: Zverev is a last-race winner that owns favorable stalker's style. Neat has won five times from eight starts; big-time player. Please Advise has the benefit of the rail on tight-turned course; must be factored into the mix.
10TH: Spirit of Esther should pack enhanced kick with cutback from mile on turf. Granadilla compiled five tight works for first start in seven weeks; very playable. Geopolitics has failed as the favorite in all four starts; you've been warned. Gallant Greta is training swiftly for debut; follow the money.
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