Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Thursday, Aug. 1
Best bet: CHARGING AERO (1)
Best Value: CUT THE CORD (8)
FIRST: Charging Aero drops in first start since switching barns; forward move predicted. Chateau could prove very tough on a soft lead. Graywing owns competitive numbers on best efforts.
SECOND: Zeca Diabo could be sitting on breakthrough in third start of form cycle. Summer in Erin is from a dam that has produced three turf winners. Side Eye is worth a look after firing half-mile bullet since last start.
THIRD: Aspen Grove is fresh and takes sizable class drop. Peak Popularity returns to turf for Chad Brown; dangerous. Dreaming of Mo was a determined winner in last at Churchill Downs; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Caldo Candy is 1-for-1 on Spa loam. Jak N Burny is a Finger Lakes shipper with six wins from eight starts; obvious threat. Scuttlebuzz could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
FIFTH: Going for Glory could get ideal setup in weak field. Dancing Liana owns three seconds from four starts; you've been warned. Ariana Rye drops and returns to dirt; very interesting.
SIXTH: Iron Max should find today's added ground right in his wheelhouse. McDiesel was second when favored in debut; must consider. Caddiemaster was a tough-trip sixth in same last race as McDiesel; don't overlook.
SEVENTH: Bar Fourteen is fleet-footed and returns to dirt; dominant speed with proper ride. Rocco Strong could be in the garden if top selection hits the wall. On a Spree was rested after winning two in a row this past spring; likely underlay.
EIGHTH: Cut the Cord drilled three times since determined win in last; faster back numbers seal the deal. Barese gets class relief and owns swift numbers on "A" efforts. Six Percent gets confident price boost after winning last by four lengths; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Atomic Blonde was a winner at the 1 1/2-mile distance two starts back; rebounds. Royalty Interest could prove very tough to collar on a soft lead. Chop Chop delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; must be factored into the mix.
10TH: Coach Sessa gets Lasix and compiled tight work tab for first start since last fall; ready. Justheart regressed last out after game placing in prior; bounce-back threat. Starlight Dancer was a willing second in last; dangerous. Miss Lao logged two works since failing to sustain rally when third as the favorite in last; be no surprise.
More horse racing
