Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Nov. 19
Best bet: SONJA KNIPS (10)
Best value: CURBSTONE (6)
FIRST: River Oaks has trained with a purpose for move to turf; forward move predicted. Quarrel owns sprinter's speed and could capitalize on clear lead. Self Confident bounced last time after game placing in debut; rebound threat.
SECOND: Central Speed made menacing middle move at quarter pole when third in debut; more to come. Slow Down Summer could play out as the main speed; very dangerous. Splashy makes first start for potent first-out barn; follow the money.
THIRD: Ocean Atlantique was a tough-trip fifth in last and owns fast back numbers. Kinenos is 1-for-1 on Big A sod; very playable. Space Launch has hit the board nine times in last 10 starts; must consider.
FOURTH: Blu Grotto owns fast late-pace figures and is training swiftly for first start in seven weeks; ready. Be the Boss owns speed and also is fresh and working sharply; dangerous. Big Venezuela is a front-end threat on best races.
FIFTH: Golden Bird Forest displayed newfound speed in last; big shot at big price. Slip Mahoney outworked 118 rivals in half-mile drill last week; could be the goods. Index Fund is firing bullets for first start for Chad Brown; need more?
SIXTH: Curbstone projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Hail to Thee compiled tight work tab for first start since April; worth long look. Dante's Fire was compromised by wide trip in last; don't ignore.
SEVENTH: Churchtown is rested and owns positional speed; strong training tab seals the deal. Dakota Gold is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Grand Sonata should pack enhanced kick with cutback in distance.
EIGHTH: Mister Candy Ride was pace- and trip-compromised in last; three sharp works in the interim seal the deal. Fenway could prove very tough on the lead if allowed soft fractions. Abundant Honor should be aided by turnback to a mile; must consider.
NINTH: Lady of Thoroton should pack intensified wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Serenade Soldier owns speed and is training swiftly; very interesting. Tis a Pity would be aided by pace meltdown.
10TH: Sonja Knips compiled tight work tab for first start since moving to new barn; improvement expected. Ma Mi Jo Dreams is fleet-footed and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; dangerous. Maddie's Grace, another that drops into maiden claimers, is training consistently; worth long look. Maggie T was a clear-cut second in last; right in the thick of this.
