Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, April 22

April 17, 2022

Best bet: FORESTWOOD LANE (7)

Best value: TOGA DANCER (9)

FIRST: Simple Sugar regressed in last after clear-cut maiden score in prior; rebounds. Sudden Impulse has finished second in last two; runner-up again? Stormi Cat Lady could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.

SECOND: Lollygag owns positional speed and fired half-mile bullet on April 8; rates close call. Sinfully Sweet was a sharp second in lone start on Big A sod; dangerous. Miss Malala owns running style that could be aided by switch to grass; very interesting.

THIRD: Dealing Justice has trained with a purpose since front-running win last month; more to come. Piece of My Heart consistently delivers fast-figured efforts; big-time player. Rossa Veloce has won two of last three outings; must be factored into the mix.

FOURTH: Dutchess of N Y is rested and drops to lifetime low; throw deep in weak bunch. My Delicious owns five seconds from 11 starts; bridesmaid again? Lordhearmyprayer gets Lasix for the first time; wake-up potential.

FIFTH: Unbridled's Reign is from a dam that has produced three turf winners; forward move predicted. Raymond Road is fresh and could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat. Dorothy's the Boss makes third start of form cycle; must consider.

SIXTH: Barista Vixen should pack amplified kick with cutback to 7 furlongs. Guns Blazing was a determined winner on April 7; very playable. Viradia is working sharply for first start since two-month freshener; worth long look.

SEVENTH: Forestwood Lane tallied swift late-pace figure when a hard-charging maiden winner in last; pairs up. Big Castle, an improved third in last, should pack enhanced wallop at 7 furlongs. Hoboken Jack takes steep price plunge in first start since January; fire sale?

EIGHTH: Uncle Moonlight is training consistently for first start since July; first time as gelding seals the deal. Jerry the Nipper owns speed and fast figures; be no surprise. Pipeline fits the classical Chad Brown profile; paltry price is the problem. Good Culture is a last-race winner that could get overlooked in the wagering.

NINTH: Toga Dancer gets first-time Lasix and makes initial outing since gelded; improvement predicted. B C Glory Days is 0-for-11 but owns field's fastest figures; let price be your guide. Mighty Meister logged competitive numbers on turf last fall; price will be tempting. Addicted to You is another that tallied his best efforts on grass last autumn; don't ignore.