Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, Feb. 11
Best bet: BERNING BEAUTY (9)
Best value: EXTRA DIRTY (1)
FIRST: Extra Dirty wheels back in seven days and drops; breakthrough effort predicted. E Stormy also gets class relief for Linda Rice; dangerous. Union Belle, another that drops, is fresh and training with a purpose; must consider.
SECOND: Duckphat regressed in last after sharp placing in prior; rebounds. Sail With the Wind is rested and owns fast numbers on best efforts. Jackson's Dixie logged two wins and two seconds from last four starts; big-time player.
THIRD: Teresa never got going in the mud last time; dry land is key. Take Time to Dream drops after failing as the favorite last out; short price once again. The Honorable Eye drops into maiden claimer for local debut; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Night Effect was done in by sizzling splits last time; softer flow predicted. Centavo could be in the garden if top selection wilts again. Proven Hope is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Graywing projects as the controlling speed with heads-up handling. Dr. Kraft looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Fortune's Nephew consistently logs fast figures; be no surprise.
SIXTH: Daughter of Time was dueled into defeat in debut; timid call in seven-horse field with five newcomers. Sarir, the other runner to have started, failed to deliver on heavy tote support in debut; obvious player. Yay Hooray concluded work tab with 5-furlong bullet; could be the goods.
SEVENTH: Grand Again tallied rapid pace and final numbers when breaking maiden last time; pairs up. Beary Funny, another last-race maiden winner, makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; very dangerous. Flashy Alex took backward step on muddy strip last out; more to give on dry land.
EIGHTH: Essaouira could secure unchallenged lead in field that's light on speed. Toned Up packs potent late wallop; worth long look. Rayya Valentine was overmatched last out; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Berning Beauty tallied rapid late-pace figure when fourth in debut; two, 5-furlong works in the interim seal the deal. Charles J was wide in key race last time; very interesting. Quiet Wisdom has failed as the favorite four straight times; you've been warned. Saint Gaudens makes second start for Chad Brown; likely underlay.
