Steve Matthews' Saratoga selections for Wednesday, Aug. 21

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comAugust 17, 2024 9:50 pm

Best bet: MAGNOLIA MIDNIGHT (7)

Best value: WHITBY (5)

FIRST: Vintage Vino tallied fast late-pace figure when a clear-cut second in last; slight cutback in distance enhances kick. Protective could play out as the main speed in first grass start. De La Cruz raced wide when third in same last race as top pick; don't ignore.

SECOND: Chasing Colton adds blinkers and could get early jump with heads-up handling. Brink was a clear-cut second in last; dangerous. Bold Fortune owns win-early breeding; follow the money.

THIRD: Foreign Relations loves marathon distances; ready. Curbstone should be favorably positioned near the front. Cathkin Peak compiled tight work tab for first start since June; must be factored into the mix.

FOURTH: Roman Empire regressed in last after fast-figured win in prior; rebounds. Optic Way owns speed, starts from the fence and drops to lifetime low; very playable. Accidental Hero could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

FIFTH: Whitby, a front-end maiden winner in last, projects as the main speed once again. Midnight Express looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. More Vino owns a win and a third from two outings; likely underlay.

SIXTH: Heavenly Light was a tough-trip third when favored in debut; added ground should play to strength. National Archive makes debut for potent first-out barn. Bryant and Cooper and Marvelous Madison are uncoupled newcomers from the Chad Brown barn; welcome to the wonderful world of the NYRA.

SEVENTH: Magnolia Midnight owns sprinter's speed and should capitalize on unchallenged lead. Complete Agenda could pack amplified wallop with slight cutback in distance; big-time player. Runnin' Ray would be aided by pace meltdown.

EIGHTH: Nano Man gets Lasix after determined maiden score in last; more to come. Heymackit'sjack was compromised by wide trip in last; worth long look. Volkert is rested and owns a win on Spa sod; right in the thick of this.

NINTH: Sweet Fantasy was third in key race on Ellis Park turf last out; gets there today. Strengthnguidance was victimized by poor starts in last two outings; don't ignore. Mythical Man concluded work tab with crisp half-mile drill; very interesting. Shoot the Waves could move forward with addition of blinkers.