Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Friday, Aug. 16
Best bet: BOBBY JEAN (11)
Best value: LIBERTY CENTRAL (3)
FIRST: Obrigada drops after showing improved speed in last; forward move predicted. Tara's Talent could be in the garden if pace meltdown ensues. Whistler's Style is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
SECOND: Governor Sam returns to Spa sod after determined win in Monmouth stakes last time. Jet Sweep Joe was just a neck behind top pick when a game second in last; worth long look. Classic Time could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
THIRD: Liberty Central is training swiftly for first start since March; ready. Boss Tweed regressed last time after winning prior two; bounce-back potential. Brown Eyed Cat overcame slow start to win debut; dangerous.
FOURTH: Allied Attack returns to dirt after firing two half-mile bullets. Andy Cant drops after taking backward step in last; dangerous. Whiskey N Soda was a fast-figured second in last; bounces today?
FIFTH: From Hello tallied fast late-pace figure when third in last; finds winner's circle today. Evie Does It should be aided by today's longer trip. Sacred Image drops and gets favorable cutback; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Mama's Middie is fresh and drops to lifetime low; breakthrough predicted. Braca was a tough-trip fifth in last; worth a look. Dunedin Causeway was second at 35-1 last out; must consider.
SEVENTH: Pay the Juice was a willing third in debut; more to come. Army Proud was a useful fifth in same race as top pick; very interesting. Epitaph logged swift works for first start; charting a must.
EIGHTH: Titled Lady gets confident price hike in first start since claimed; call based on price potential. Tax Implications consistently logs field's fastest late-pace figures. Malleymoo tallied only stateside win after similar freshener; don't ignore.
NINTH: Captainsdaughter owns closing style in field with ample speed. Tricky Temper is another that should be aided by probable pace dynamics. Majestic Return could play out as the swiftest of the swift with Kendrick Carmouche aboard.
10TH: Dancing Dean made sustained rally when fourth in last; forward move predicted in third start of form cycle. Toy Collector delivered strong efforts in both starts on Delaware turf; price should be tempting. Progeny drops and owns positional speed in bulky field.
11TH: Bobby Jean drops and moves to grass with suitable pedigree; breakthrough predicted. True Myth was rested after tough-trip fifth in lone turf outing; very playable. Z Train exits strong third in last; dangerous. Shakrevenge owns two seconds and a third from four turf starts; must be factored into the mix.
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