Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, April 2
Best Bet: ON THE HILL (9); Best Value: STORMI CAT LADY (5)
FIRST: Montauk Point should pack amplified kick with cutback to a mile. Nobodyridesforfree displayed improved speed when a strong third in last; very dangerous. Burgee made a forward move in second start; don't ignore.
SECOND: Total Effort totally dominated 10 rivals when breaking maiden in last; more to come. Coach Bahe owns speed and should offer generous price; very interesting. Mister Winston should be aided by class drop; worth long look.
THIRD: Girl of Tosconova owns favorable sit-and-pounce style; outside draw seals the deal. Raffinity is speedy but 0-for-6 at the distance; mixed message. Mia Bea Star could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
FOURTH: Liberty Flame is training swiftly for first start since last October; primed. True Empress was a game second in last; logical, short-priced threat. Steppin' Hawk owns speed and competitive numbers; must consider.
FIFTH: Stormi Cat Lady cuts back to 6 furlongs after solid second in last; intensified wallop predicted. Sabreen owns five seconds and two thirds from 11 starts; another minor award? Queentigua's speed gives her a puncher's chance; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Little Menace gets price hike by new barn after hand-ridden score in last; quick dividends. Secret Rules is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Captain Bombastic is more than good enough on best efforts.
SEVENTH: High Command fired 5-furlong bullet since clear-cut win last out; pairs up. Dream Bigger makes first start since claimed by Jeffrey Englehart; right in the thick of this. Deputy Flag owns speed and swift numbers; be no surprise.
EIGHTH: Forewarned owns fast late-pace figures and should offer solid price. First Constitution is speedy and training swiftly; likely underlay. Splicethemainbrace also is quick from gate and has the benefit of the rail; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: On the Hill gets confident price boost after logging rapid final fraction when a strong second in last; keeps on giving. Tonalistic is training with a purpose for first start since last spring; very dangerous. He'sgotashortfuse exits game placing in last; big-time threat. Mischief Mogul gets Lasix and makes first start since gelded; one of the contenders.
