Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, April 28
Best bet: SOUTH STREET (2)
Best value: THE PADDOCK PASTOR (9)
FIRST: Qorokwe was compromised by wide trip last time; forward move predicted. Alpha Sonny regressed in last after game second in prior; dangerous. Stanley Rough is from a dam that has produced 10 winners from 10 foals to race; very interesting.
SECOND: South Street tallied solid final fraction when a hard-charging winner in last; pairs up. Bad Larry is fresh and gets class relief; more than good enough on "A" effort. Morning Cup is 1-for-1 on Big A loam and hails from Linda Rice barn; be no surprise.
THIRD: Bendoog logged rapid late-pace figure when winning last; rail draw seals the deal. Rocco Strong returns to more appropriate level and owns fast back figures; dangerous. Leading Contender appears to be another Chad Brown underlay; even if he wins, it's a poor bet.
FOURTH: Life Changer should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. M B's Munning is a fast-figured, last-race winner; very playable. Little Luca, another that won last, could play out as the main speed once again.
FIFTH: Peachy Weachy gets confident price boost after game placing in last. Everlys Girl drops after claim from front-running score last out; proceed with caution. Mon Petit Chou has been idle since Fourth of July but owns speed and fast numbers; mixed message.
SIXTH: Sweet Rebecca visually and numerically impressed when winning debut at Gulfstream; Chad Brown at a playable price? Faith Understood was a determined maiden winner in last at Keeneland; big-time player. Living Magic is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Charlie Five O is speedy and drilled four times since last start; improvement predicted. Kant Beat the Rock will be aided by turnback to 7 furlongs. Clubhouse wheels back in eight days after failing at odds-on last time; burns more cash?
EIGHTH: Yarrow is training with a purpose for potent layoff barn; primed. Acoustic Ave, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, also displays solid work tab for return; must consider. Upside Potential moves to turf after winning both starts to begin career; aptly named.
NINTH: The Paddock Pastor was solid-looking winner in debut last fall; ready for return. Be of Courage logged only win on Aqueduct sod; worth long look. Zapruder was prepped on dirt last time; right in the thick of this. Indian Mischief could play out as the dominant speed.
