Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, March 21
Best bet: GUNTOWN (7)
Best value: NEWPORT BRIDGE (2)
FIRST: Sorority Prank owns speed and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag. The Delaware Boyz was a clear-cut second in last start; dangerous. Compute It owns two seconds and a third from three outings; logical.
SECOND: Newport Bridge never got going in the mud last time after determined win in prior; rebounds. Red D G P was a hard-fought victor in last and owns faster back numbers; dangerous. Anthracite exits fast-figured placing in last; must consider.
THIRD: Steppin' Hawk could capitalize on clear lead in weak field. Montauk Mystique will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Ukrainian Princess is another that would be aided by pace meltdown.
FOURTH: Call Bob gets the call in another bad field after fast-figured second in most recent. Twirling Vine fired 5-furlong bullet since last outing; worth long look. Saka Shocka debuts for Chad Brown; need more?
FIFTH: Li'l Lang, a clear-cut maiden winner in last, could offer best value of the contenders. Black Almighty was done in by pace duel last time; very playable. Badlands Ruler bested second pick by more than a length when a fast-figured second; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Sin Nombre overcame bad start and slow fractions to win last; more to come. Uncle George owns speed and fast figures; be no surprise. G Munning drops and makes third start of form cycle; don't dismiss.
SEVENTH: Guntown fired 5-furlong bullet since non-stressful third in last; forward move predicted. Tabeguache is rested and training with a purpose; very playable. Laughing Boy is fleet-footed and gets class relief; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Bustin Shout logged two swift works for first start in seven weeks; ready. Chuck Willis, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Victorious Wave is more than good enough on "A" game. Amundson was a game second in last and owns faster back numbers; very interesting.
