Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, April 10
Best Bet: EXOTIC WEST (8); Best Value: RHUMJAR (6)
FIRST: Vibe Setter was freshened for 57 days after determined maiden win in last; takes another. Winter Son drops after fast-figured placing in last; fire sale? Jokemeister is a front-running threat on best.
SECOND: My First Love makes third start of form cycle after willing third in last; more to give. Phenomenal Woman was second to a runaway winner in most recent; dangerous. Ice Kreem Sundae wheels back in a hurry after wide fifth last week; don't ignore.
THIRD: Acceptable Risk owns sprinter's speed and projects as the dominant front-runner. Breaking Stones bounced last time after a pair of game placings; rebound threat. Exalted Charm was dueled into defeat in last; worth long look.
FOURTH: Full Moon Fever took backward step in last after front-end score in previous start; bounces back. Purple Hearted was a fast-figured, wire-to-wire winner in last; big-time player. Perceived holds razor-sharp current condition; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Evan Harlan is training with a purpose at Fair Hill base; ready for return. Run Smitty Run should be aided by additional furlong. Ninth of April is another that will appreciate longer trip; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Rhumjar fired crisp half-mile drill since displaying improved speed in last; sitting on breakthrough. Inspiration Point was a tough-trip second in last; logical, short-priced contender. Lord Licorice was an even fourth in debut; improvement expected.
SEVENTH: Sweet Franny Lou could capitalize on soft lead in bulky field. Waterville could be in the garden if top selection hits the wall in the stretch. Reigning Chick is from a dam that has thrown two turf winners; very interesting.
EIGHTH: Exotic West tallied swift late-pace figure when a determined winner in last; pairs up. Maiden Beauty is quick from the gate and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Battle Bling delivers strong efforts with machine-like consistency; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Whatlovelookslike gets the meds and compiled tight training tab for first start since August. Our Jessica is working strongly for turf debut; worth long look. Arisaema gets blinkers/Lasix makeover for first start since November; very interesting. Limani moves to turf for Chad Brown; can you say underlay?
