Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, April 13
Best bet: TRADE SECRET (1)
Best value: MERLIN'S MOMENT (9)
FIRST: Trade Secret gets price boost after determined win in last; takes another. Hydra owns speed and drops; very dangerous. Peachy Weachy regressed in last after hard-fought score two back; rebound threat.
SECOND; La Fiere noticeably picked up the tempo in final work; ready. Eastern Star, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, should be aided by cutback to 6 furlongs. Mommasgottagun is a newcomer from the white-hot Linda Rice barn; must consider.
THIRD: Night Effect tallied swift internal numbers in last; main speed with proper ride. Debate looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Fighting Back makes first start since moving to Rice stable; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Jackson Heights is training swiftly for first start since September; primed. Friday I'm in Love is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Flip's Dream is a last-race winner that could be overlooked in the wagering.
FIFTH: Anthracite should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Devil's Cay exits game placing in last; big-time player. Twelfth Man logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; dangerous.
SIXTH: Flint Ridge fired 5-furlong bullet for first start since December; sitting on go. Mr Bob exits clear-cut score in last; big-time player. Lafitte's Fleet gets aggressive two-level price hike after claimed last month; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Hagrid's Flame was done in by poor start in debut; call based on price. Sorority Prank was a game second in last; logical contender. Metatron compiled eye-catching work tab for debut; could be the goods.
EIGHTH: Colonel Vargo is riding a three-race winning streak; hop aboard. F F Rocket could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Breaking Stones is another that would benefit from fast fractions; very interesting.
NINTH: Merlin's Moment was pace- and trip-compromised in debut; forward move predicted. He Has It All displayed improved speed in last; dangerous. Berning Beauty would be aided by swift splits; don't ignore. Inonit also would appreciate a spirited pace; very interesting.
