Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Dec. 2
Best bet: DURKIN'S CALL (9)
Best value: VASARIANO (8)
FIRST: Irish Empress was an improved third in last; more to give. Blanchiment is speedy and can prove very tough on a soft lead. Follow the Fed makes first start since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; dangerous.
SECOND: Wine Goddess is training sharply for first start since August; potent layoff barn. Racing Queen is fleet-footed and could boss weak field on front-end. Redstripe Princess debuts for capable first-out barn; don't ignore.
THIRD: Voice of Spring drops and makes third start of form cycle; forward move predicted. U Cant Handle This was a front-running winner at Delaware last time; very interesting. Villareggia, a last-race winner from Laurel, is right in the thick of this with repeat effort.
FOURTH: True Empress has trained strongly since winning two straight; takes another. I'm Buzzy was second to a repeat winner last out; very playable. Lady Firefoot moves to dirt after determined maiden score on grass last month; don't ignore.
FIFTH: Hang Tight makes first start since claimed by Rob Atras; three recent works seal the deal. Catching Cupid could prove very tough to catch if able to secure an unchallenged lead. Achilles Heel should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to sprint; worth long look.
SIXTH: Snicket set fast fractions when tow-roping five rivals last time; pairs up wins. Violent Vixen is another that was a front-running winner in last; must consider. Sister Annie also is speedy and gets confident price boost in first start since claimed; intriguing.
SEVENTH: Secret Thunder is fresh and drops to lifetime low; weakness of field helps. Basic Truth (solid works), Warrior Richard (tight drills) and Larz (picked up tempo in recent drills) are newcomers that must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Vasariano ships in from Ohio after winning two in a row at Mahoning Valley Racecourse; ready for prime time. Curlin's Wisdom has won thee of last four; price won't be on your side. Uncle Water Flow could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
NINTH: Durkin's Call gets aggressive two-level price jump for new barn after five-length score last out; quick dividends. Quick Return gets class relief and owns fast back numbers; big-time player. Bronx Bomber is a front-running threat on "A" efforts; don't dismiss. Tapizearance owns back numbers that could land in him in the exotics at fat ticket.
