Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, Feb. 25
Best bet: AUGUSTINE RED (2)
Best value: MALIBU MOONSHINE (4)
FIRST: Sardis was second to a much-the-best winner last time; his turn today. Cuando has trained swiftly since game placing in debut; dangerous. States United compiled tight work tab for first start in 10 weeks; worth long look.
SECOND: Augustine Red tallied swift final fraction when winning last; takes another. Guanare has won three in a row; likely underlay. Iridescent is a front-running threat on best effort; don't ignore.
THIRD: Hot Rod Rumble is speedy, rested and training with a purpose. Bad Larry drops and could be ideally positioned if pace meltdown ensues. Chocolate Shake is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
FOURTH: Malibu Moonshine logged swift late-pace figure when winning last at Laurel; more to give. Ain't Broke made the chalk players broke when failing as the favorite last out; short price once again. Jacobson entry: Self Isolation and Pharoah's Heart are more than good enough on best races; must consider.
FIFTH: Brazillionaire gets class relief and working strongly; weakness of field helps. Winning Drive also displays solid training tab; very interesting. Charlie Five O was an even third in last; must consider.
SIXTH: Shore Time bounced last time after game placing in prior; rebounds. Sorority Prank also took backward step in last after fast-figured second two back; very dangerous. Heavyweight Champs owns speed but lacks heart; mixed message.
SEVENTH: Divine Armor owns fast late-pace figures and gets added ground; solid combination. Dr. Blute is speedy and hails from Chad Brown barn; 14-month layoff is cause for pause. Trafalgar packs potent kick on "A" efforts; don't overlook.
EIGHTH: Doc Sullivan has yet to take a backward step on the numbers; keeps on giving. Pandagate is firing bullets for first start since December; very interesting. The Big Torpedo visually impressed when breaking maiden by 10 lengths last out; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Brown as a Biscuit could find mile distance right in her wheelhouse. Rock Star Boy, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. My Man Woody was an improved second in last; dangerous. Rossington drops to lifetime low; right in the thick of this.
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