Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Dec. 1
Best bet: COURAGEOUS GIRL (7)
Best value: TONED UP (8)
FIRST: Narciso Dali makes quick return and drops after even fifth in last; throw deep in weak opener. Kaon is a rested runner from Chad Brown barn; must consider. Winning Connection was 11 lengths clear of third runner when second in last; dangerous.
SECOND: West Star could find today's additional furlong right in his wheelhouse. Nieuwendyk could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Mullingar drops and moves to dirt; very interesting.
THIRD: Money Mike is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures; class relief seals the deal. Ikigai is speedy and could take this field wire to wire. King James needed last and owns fast back numbers; worth long look.
FOURTH: Sweet as Sugar projects as the swiftest of the swift with aggressive rider aloft. Carly Hustle could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Monshun regressed in last after fast-figured win in prior; bounce-back threat.
FIFTH: Makart gets added ground and makes third start of form cycle. Gimmebackmybullets adds blinkers and will be favorably positioned near the front. Sense a Giant should rebound with class drop and return to dirt.
SIXTH: Big Bean Christine was a breakthrough maiden winner in last; more to come. Sheza Rajun Cajun is fleet-footed and could prove a tough customer on a soft lead. Handle the Truth took backward step in last after game placing two back; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Courageous Girl makes third start of form cycle after showing improved speed in last; big effort on tap. Caragate will be aided by cutback to mile; dangerous. Pretty Clever could impact if fractions get hot and hectic.
EIGHTH: Toned Up was a clear-cut winner the last time she raced on dirt; history repeats. Corey gets class relief after useful fifth in last; forward move predicted. Tap the Faith fired half-mile bullet since last start; don't ignore.
NINTH: The Met took backward step in last after winning two in a row; gets back on track. Forever Wicked, second in last two starts, may have finally landed in proper field. Russian to Win is fresh and could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat. R Boy Cheekum is competitive on best efforts; worth long look at long price.
