Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, April 8
Best bet: SIEMPRE ELEGANTE (6)
Best value: SO HIGH (2)
FIRST: Be Onboard has worked twice since speed and fade in first start since two-month absence last time; tighter today. Bold Victory owns fast numbers but has been sidelined since July; mixed message. Raising Sand was an improved third in last; developing and dangerous.
SECOND: So High could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat; tight work tab and win on Big A sod seal the deal. Ghost Giant outworked 194 rivals in half-mile drill on Saturday; very dangerous. Lonesome Fugitive packs potent kick and hails from Chad Brown barn; obviously could take this.
THIRD: Uragano is from a dam that has thrown two grass winners; surface switch is key. Beach Boy Al could play out as the main speed in first turf start; worth long look. Buckortwo logged pair of game placings on turf last fall; must consider.
FOURTH: Him She Kisses drops and turns back to more manageable distance; forward move predicted. Brockmoninoff is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Profusion also is quick from the gate and owns fast back numbers; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Free Enterprise was an even fourth in first start since November; improvement expected. Boldish is rested and owns fast numbers on "A" efforts. Auburn Hills is another with swift back numbers; don't dismiss.
SIXTH: Siempre Elegante returns to turf after notching crisp half-mile work on Palm Meadows grass last month; call based on price. Pruning owns rapid turf numbers; very dangerous. Star of India makes first grass start for Chad Brown; need more?
SEVENTH: Hagler gets Lasix and should capitalize on unchallenged lead with heads-up handling. Luni Sima visually and numerically impressed when winning last at GP; could easily take another. Good Skate is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Mashnee Girl projects as the main speed in weak nightcap. Wailin Josie regressed in last after game placing in prior; rebound threat. Kahli Magic delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; logical, short-priced player. Shadolamo could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues.
