Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, March 9
Best bet: KENTUCKY JOKER (6)
Best value: PLAY (4)
FIRST: Autumn Evening is training sharply for first start since moving to Rick Dutrow barn. Looks First owns speed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Catching Heat is working swiftly for debut for Chad Brown; could be the goods.
SECOND: Swift Tap projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Blu Grotto looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. My Friends Beer was an improved third in last; don't ignore.
THIRD: Qorokwe could find the mile distance right in his wheelhouse. Friday I'm in Love exits front-running second in last; big-time danger. Waflr owns a third and three seconds from last four starts; must consider.
FOURTH: Play logged three tight works since displaying improved speed in last; forward move predicted. Magic Express was a clear-cut second in debut; worth long look. Xcellent Men regressed in last after fast-figured placing in prior; rebound threat.
FIFTH: Mandatory outworked 84 rivals in half-mile bullet last week after fast-figured score in most recent start; more to come. Hatch got a favorable setup to win last; mixed message. M B's Munning fires big efforts with machinelike consistency; must consider.
SIXTH: Kentucky Joker made sustained rally to win last; pairs up. Bourbon's Hope could prove to be a tough customer on a soft lead. Waralo is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
SEVENTH: Shipsational is training swiftly for first start in 12 weeks; ready to sail. Ghostlyprince was second to a repat winner in last; very playable. Certified Loverboy makes third start of form cycle; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Quick Munny is quick from the gate and should get unchallenged lead with aggressive handling. Starship Defiant took backward step in last after fast-figured win in prior; bounce-back potential. Hot Fudge has won six of last eight starts; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: True Connection was a useful third in key-race debut; improvement predicted. First Trumpet gets favorable cutback to mile; dangerous. Society Man returns to maiden ranks and gets Lasix; very interesting. Cuando has finished second in both starts; be no surprise.
