Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, April 24
Best bet: ON ALERT (8)
Best value: BERTINGA (5)
FIRST: Vincent was a change-of-pace sixth in last; call based on price in weak opener. Fast N Fearious was a front-running second when favored in debut; be no surprise. Lord Brownie has two thirds and two seconds from last four starts; must consider.
SECOND: Thefabulous Moolah was a front-running maiden winner on all-weather footing at TP last time; transfers form to grass. Summer At the Spa logged lone win on Big A sod; dangerous. Constitutionalrage could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Yo Cuz is speedy and riding a three-race winning streak; more to come. Bank On Anna could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Kisses for Emily was a surging winner in Parx stakes last out; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Subsidize moves to grass and has drilled three times since last start; improvement predicted. Tale of Mineshaft makes first start since moving to Linda Rice stable; very interesting. Stanhope is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead.
FIFTH: Bertinga owns sprinter's speed and could play out as the controlling speed with heads-up handling. Kay Tee Girl moves to grass for Todd Pletcher; logical contender. War in Paradise made middle move and faded last time; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Mr. Pete fires strong efforts with machinelike consistency; rates close call. Musical America is speedy and rested; dangerous. Healy's Hope drops and could be in the garden spot if fractions get hot and hectic.
SEVENTH: Who Hoo Thats Me gets Lasix and is training swiftly for first start since December. Hot Rod Rumble owns a win and two placings in three outings at the Big A; worth long look. Big Brown Shoes fired two bullet drills since last start; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: On Alert logged swift late-pace figure when third in Florida Oaks at Tam last out; rail draw seals the deal. Consumer Spending fits the classic Chad Brown profile; need more? Pizza Bianca has been idle since winning BC Juvenile Fillies Turf last fall; likely underlay.
NINTH: Highgate Road tallied rapid final fraction when third in debut on Tampa turf; drop in with NY breds is the clincher. Biondi gets Lasix for first start since December; very playable. Mr. Connecticut has delivered strong efforts in all three starts; could easily take this. Excursionniste was third in lone start on Aqueduct turf; must be factored into the mix.
