Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 23
Best bet: MIDTOWN ROSE (4)
Best value: DATESFREEDOM (6)
FIRST: Shirl's Delight is fresh and gets favorable cutback to sprint. La Girvina owns three seconds from four starts; runner-up again? Quiescent bested a next-out winner when a front-running second in last; dangerous.
SECOND: Paschal Moon could capitalize on softer flow with added furlong. Flying in Style owns fast back numbers; price will be tempting. Twirling Vine has logged four thirds from eight starts; more show dough?
THIRD: Perpetual Praise was a front-running winner in last; pairs up. Smokin Hot Kitty could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Honest Banker has been idle since April but started career with two fast-figured wins; consider.
FOURTH: Midtown Rose tallied sharp final fraction when winning last; more to come. Darn That Song makes third start of form cycle after finishing second to top selection last time; reverses decision today? Cupids Girl is a last-race winner that could fall through the cracks in wagering; worth long look.
FIFTH: Stolen Base made menacing middle move and weakened last time; turnback to sprint is key. Wake Surf compiled five tight works for first start since New Year's Eve; very interesting. Midlaner exits game placing in last; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Datesfreedom is riding a forward line on the numbers and drops; throw deep in cheap field. Grumps Lil Tots never got going in the slop last out; better effort on dry land. Bold Medication has the benefit of the rail at 9 furlongs; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Anejo, 3-for-4 at the Big A, has been working swiftly at Keeneland; horse for the course. Olympic Dreams owns speed and fast final figures; dangerous. Petulante owns four wins and two seconds from six starts; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Li'l Lang projects as the main speed in weak nightcap. Profitability owns fast numbers on best efforts. Frankie R. makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; don't ignore. Drinking Solo races first time as a gelding; must consider.
