Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, March 31
Best bet: SCHERZANDO (1)
Best value: MONEY IN THE BANK (6)
FIRST: Scherzando drops back in with NY-breds and could be sitting on breakthrough; call based on price. Built to Last was a fast-figured second in last; logical, short-priced contender. Kazmike fired half-mile bullet since game placing in debut; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Majestic Tiger wheels back in a hurry after clear-cut win less than two weeks ago; more to come. Amount ships north after determined score in last at Gulfstream; very dangerous. Tale of Mineshaft is fresh and owns fast numbers on best efforts; must consider.
THIRD: Lord Brownie displayed newfound speed in last; career best predicted. Bohemian Ruby could be in the garden if top pick hits the wall in the lane. Disengage could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; worth long look.
FOURTH: Stencil moves to new barn after winning last by more than six lengths; quick dividends. Tellaperfecttale logged fast figures in last two starts; be no surprise. Hey Mama was a game maiden winner in last; very interesting.
FIFTH: Cut the Cord tallied solid late-pace figure after poor break last time; playable price. Pineapple Man is speedy, rested and could prove very tough on a soft lead. State Planning demolished maidens by an eye-catching 13 lengths last time; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Money in the Bank was done in by slow start last out; returning on 12 days' rest is the clincher. Sicilia Mike drew off to two-length score at this level on March 4; big-time player. Mr. Pete is a front-running threat on "A" efforts.
SEVENTH: Betsy Blue is riding a two-race winning streak; keeps on giving. Rossa Veloce delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; dangerous. Eloquent Speaker stopped last time but looms a big-time contender on best efforts.
EIGHTH: Limit Up makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; weakness of field is selection's strength. Boom Boom Kaboom is 0-for-23 but owns field's fastest final figures; mixed message. Bointheback has been gelded since last start; don't ignore. Moons the Limit gets first-time Lasix; wake-up potential.
