Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 9
Best bet: POSEIDON'S MIST (1)
Best value: XCELLENT MEN (6)
FIRST: Poseidon's Mist displayed improved speed in last; breakthrough predicted. Call Her Bluff would be aided by pace meltdown; dangerous. Calling an Audible makes third start of form cycle; must consider.
SECOND: He'smyhoneybadger compiled tight work tab for first start in seven weeks; fast figures on "A" efforts. American Monarch consistently delivers big efforts; very dangerous. Joey Freshwater is a last-race winner that could offer playable price; very interesting.
THIRD: Blake B. tallied swift late-pace figure when winning last; more to come. Swift Tap could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. What's My Category runs late and may land in exotics at beefy number.
FOURTH: Seven Nation Army is training sharply for first start since November; ready. Clem Labine could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Cees Gets Degrees is a front-running threat on best efforts.
FIFTH: Sweet Brown Sugar owns speed and drops; rates close call. Soloshot also is quick from gate and will prove very tough if able to shake clear. Thirteen Red Flags regressed in last after fast-figured maiden score in prior; rebound threat.
SIXTH: Xcellent Men projects as the main speed on the rail with aggressive handling. Andy Cant looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Hero's Medal should pack amplified kick with cutback to 7 furlongs.
SEVENTH: Factually Correct was freshened after determined win on Dec. 7; takes another. Radio Red also won last but could be ripe to bounce after logging internal- and final-figure tops. Capone is riding a two-race winning; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: I'm Buzzy, a hot commodity at the claim box, loves Big A loam. Halo City wheels back in a hurry after eight-length score last week; very dangerous. A New Peace ships in from SoCal for David Jacobson; must consider. Hashtag Lucky, a Maryland shipper, is competitive on best efforts.
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