Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Nov. 11
Best bet: VANCOUVER D'ORO (9)
Best value: GIANT'S FIRE (2)
FIRST: Wynn Giant was a useful third in dirt debut; from dam that has produced two turf winners. Provision has finished second in all four starts; more of the same? Barry the Builder should move forward with return to grass; don't ignore.
SECOND: Giant's Fire is training sharply for first start since February; ready. Matt Doyle owns fast numbers and makes third start of form cycle; potential underlay. Opportunity Set debuts for Chad Brown; need more?
THIRD: Barrage owns positional speed in bulky field. Catch That Party packs potent late kick; logical, short-priced player. Graded On a Curve is 2-for-2 on Big A turf; be no surprise.
FOURTH: Steerage projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Bert Bert Bert was a game second in last; obvious contender. Central Pride should make forward move with return to dirt.
FIFTH: Tough Street was a top-figured maiden winner in last; paltry price is the problem. Monshun bounced in last after front-running score in prior; rebound threat. Chaysenbryn consistently fires big efforts; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Nieuwendyk holds experience edge in six-horse field with five newcomers. Finn's Moment compiled eye-catching work tab for debut; could be the goods. Paxsational is another firster that's training sharply; charting a must.
SEVENTH: Ocean's Reserve was a wire-to-wire maiden winner in last; takes another. Great Workout could be in the catbird seat if top selection hits the wall in the stretch. Forty Two Ace owns fast back numbers; worth long look.
EIGHTH: Sister Annie is fleet-footed and could capitalize on unchallenged lead with aggressive handling. Self Isolation tallied fast late-pace figure when dead heating for top honors last time; very dangerous. Short Summer Dress makes quick return (one week) and looms a front-end threat on best effort.
NINTH: Vancouver d'Oro logged two sharp works for first start since two months of R&R; primed. B C Glory Days should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint. Breadman wheels back in six days and drops to lifetime low; very interesting. Inspiration Point was second to a repeat winner last time; right in the thick of this.
