Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, April 7
Best bet: KAWHI ME A RIVER (7)
Best value: BUREAUCRAT (4)
FIRST: Sensibleconclusion projects as the main speed in season's first grass race. Salute to America gets Lasix and moves to turf; wake-up potential. Excursionniste owns a second and two thirds in three grass outings; logical contender.
SECOND: Diamond Collector adds blinkers and could get the early jump with proper handling. Tap the Faith is fresh and could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall in the lane. Early Glow has trained consistently since breaking maiden by more than six lengths in January; don't ignore.
THIRD: Road to Success was rested after winning by 16 lengths on Feb. 20; two, tight half-mile drills for return seal it. Charger makes first start for new barn after clear-cut score in last; dangerous. No Burn is quick from gate and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
FOURTH: Bureaucrat exits sprints, breaks from the rails and looms the controlling front-runner with heads-up handling. Uncle Curly was a game second in last on GP sod; big-time threat. Breadman makes third start of form cycle and logged only win on turf; very interesting.
FIFTH: Emperor's Cause is riding a forward line on pace and final numbers; quick dividends for new barn. Blu Grotto regressed in last after fast-figured placing in prior; rebound threat. Cousteau is speedy but will offer short price; must take the good with the bad.
SIXTH: Guns Blazing is fresh and could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Addilyn gets price boost and hold razor-sharp current condition; very interesting. Quality Stones is fleet-footed and drops; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Kawhi Me a River compiled five tight works for first start since last fall; ready to fire big shot. Dancing Buck is speedy and 2-for-3 on Big A sod; very dangerous. Castle Chaos owns fast dirt numbers; demand square price.
EIGHTH: Fazaro was compromised by wide trip in last; call based on price potential. Reynolds entry: Motion to Strike owns speed and gets class relief and mate Nicholas James is firing bullets for debut; potent pairing. Lord Gatling drops and makes first start since gelded; right in the thick of this. Mister J T was second to a much-the-best winner in last; don't ignore.
