Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, April 25
Best bet: GUT FEELING (4)
Best value: AUTUMN (8)
FIRST: Andy Cant was a 10-length maiden winner last out; more to come. Masterwork is fresh and could play out as the main speed. Barnstorming gets aggressive price hike after clear-cut second in last; very interesting.
SECOND: I'm Buzzy should pack amplified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Starship Defiant was done in by sizzling pace last time; dangerous. Everyoneloveslinda delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; must consider.
THIRD: Moonlit Weekend drew off to clear-cut maiden score in last; pairs up. Lady Banker makes first start since claimed by Mike Miceli; turnback to sprint helps. First Class Act holds sharp current form; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Gut Feeling tallied fast late-pace figure when a game winner in last; takes another. Rocket and Roll also won last and fired half-mile bullet in the interim; worth long look. Jacobson entry: Digital and Goldini both make first start since claimed; potent pairing.
FIFTH: Reigning Chick adds blinkers and should move forward with return to dry land. Smokie Eyes was a fast-figured second in lone start on Big A loam; logical, short-priced threat. Lavon will be aided by additional furlong; odds will be tempting.
SIXTH: Rhombique could be ideally positioned in turf field with sufficient speed. Tax Implications fits the classic Chad Bown profile; probable underlay. In Time is fresh and compiled three tight works for return; don't overlook.
SEVENTH: Photo Finish could secure stalker's perch from outside post. Highway Harmony will prove very tough on a soft lead. Big Hazel would be aided by fast fractions.
EIGHTH: Autumn logged two crisp half-mile works since prepped in dirt sprint last out; surface switch is key. Lu's Redemption gets Lasix in return from five-month absence; needs scratches to get in. Strictly Taboo, another on AE list, hails from potent layoff barn (Christophe Clement); dangerous. Turriga tallied solid numbers in two starts on Big A sod last fall; very playable. Heavenly Girl was a sharp second in lone turf start; be no surprise.
