Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Nov. 18
Best bet: PEAK OF CHIC (9)
Best value: BINGOOD TO KNOWYA (1)
FIRST: Bingood to Knowya moves to grass after even fourth in debut; improvement predicted. Conversing has finished second in both starts; more of the same? American Raider was compromised by wide trip in debut; don't overlook.
SECOND: Ebben tallied swift final fraction when a winner at this level in last; pairs up. Prince of Pharoahs is speedy and rested; dangerous. American Power packs powerful late kick on best efforts; must consider.
THIRD: Ripe for Mischief compiled tight work tab for first start in eight weeks; set for breakthrough. Dreampoint should pack amplified wallop with cutback to sprint; worth long look. Fuoco owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad.
FOURTH: Gaslight is training sharply for first start since August; ready. Outasite owns speed and makes first start since gelded; very interesting. Win for Gold wheels back quickly after clear-cut score just six days ago; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Starts Now switches to dirt after non-stressful fourth in debut; forward move predicted. Miss Fashionista has worked forwardly since failing to handle slop in first start; dangerous. Joey the Fish has drilled three times since running last at every call in 12-horse field on grass last time; wakes up with return to main track?
SIXTH: Caironi was pace-compromised in last start; half-mile drill on Nov. 10 is the clincher. Ever Summer is 1-for-1 at today's marathon distance; big-time contender. Diane's Comet, a front-end winner in last, must be given long look if able to escape AE list. Personal Best always fires big efforts but will offer little value at the windows.
SEVENTH: Vodka Mardini makes first start since gelded and with Lasix; new runner today. American Law owns speed and fast numbers; logical contender. Southern Flag was a clear-cut second behind a five-length winner in last; potential underlay.
EIGHTH: Klickitat could be sitting in the catbird seat in field that's top-heavy with speed. Not Phar Now is fleet-footed and could prove very tough if able to shake clear from other front-runners; speed of the speed? Deep Cover has top-notch, front-end rider aloft; don't ignore.
NINTH: Peak of Chic set sizzling splits when a wire-to-wire winner in last at Parx; gets jump once again. Carbon owns stalker's style and could be the prime beneficiary if top selection gets charbroiled on the lead. Fancy Feline is another that would be aided by pace meltdown; must be factored into the mix.
10TH: Super Wicked Charm makes quick return (six days) after non-threatening fourth versus pricier in the mud last out; throw deep in horrendous nightcap. Bustin the Rules is training swiftly for first start since the Fourth of July; loves the Big A. Monarchs Glen drops two claiming levels for trainer who routinely wins with price plungers. Linda Rice entry: Durkin's Call drops in first start since claimed and mate Great Workout beat just one runner last out; what a game!
