Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 2

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comUpdated January 28, 2024

Best bet: RUNGIUS (4)

Best value: MIDLANER (7)

FIRST: Dream On Cara fired crisp half-mile breeze since even third in last; finally gets there. Army of Thoughts regressed in last after hard-fought placing in prior; rebound threat. Practical Miss was a sharp second in last; bounces today?

SECOND: Risk Free exits clear-cut maiden score at the distance; takes another. Frau Diablo was dueled into defeat last time; dangerous with softer flow. Fancy Azteca owns five wins from 11 starts and makes first outing since claimed by Rick Dutrow; big-time player.

THIRD: Little Luca grabbed brief lead at the quarter pole last time; finishes the job today. Bad Larry was a front-running winner in last; very playable. Talkin Pharoah is training with a purpose for first start since August; don't ignore.

FOURTH: Rungius tallied solid late-pace figure when winning last; pairs up. Magnolia Midnight is rested and logs swift numbers on best efforts; big-time player. Khafre drew off by more than four lengths when winning last; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: My Man Woody is riding a forward line on pace and final numbers. Scoop the Pot could be in the garden spot if fractions get fast and furious. Castlecove Spirit also would be aided by front-end meltdown.

SIXTH: Meraviglioso tallied improved internal numbers in last; final-figure breakthrough predicted. Halo City looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Suspended Campaign is another that would be aided by front-end meltdown.

SEVENTH: Midlaner ships in from Parx after fast-figured win in last; ready for prime time. Listentoyourheart owns speed and swift numbers; be no surprise. Full Moon Madness was a good-looking victor on New Year's Day; must be factored into the mix.

EIGHTH: Irie Man has worked swiftly since non-stressful seventh in key-race debut; drop to maiden-claimer seals the deal. Collected Special is another that makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous. Compute It was a clear-cut second in debut; must consider. Solo Tonight should be aided by cutback to sprint.