Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Feb. 10
Best bet: INTO HAPPINESS (9)
Best value: INDEPENDENT PAUL (3)
FIRST: Apuro was second to a repeat winner in debut; gets there today. Eliminate, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, owns positional speed. Laser Sharp was a clear-cut second in debut; must consider.
SECOND: Whenlovetakesover is 0-for-11 but lands in soft field today; now or never. No Surrender was a sharp second in last; dangerous. Model S is rested and makes NYRA debut; very interesting.
THIRD: Independent Paul tallied swift final fraction when winning last; takes another. M B's Munning owns speed and fast figures; big-time threat. Uncle George is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
FOURTH: Sweet as Sugar projects as the main speed with proper ride. To a T could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Diva Banker gets confident price boost by Rudy Rodriguez; worth long look.
FIFTH: City Blocks is improving with each start; timid call in nine-horse field with seven newcomers. Mangia could prove very tough on a soft lead. Aunt Yola is from a mare that has produced two stakes winners; follow the money.
SIXTH: Kenny Had a Notion ships in from Charles Town and owns competitive numbers; ready for prime time. Prince James owns fast back figures; very interesting. Charlie Five O drops and makes third start of form cycle; damaged goods?
SEVENTH: Disappearance gets class relief and should pack enhanced kick at 7 furlongs. Moving Pictures bounced in last after fast-figured placing in prior; rebound potential. Big Save was a sharp second in last; logical.
EIGHTH: American Law will be aided by cutback to mile; three works since last outing seal the deal. Expected Value and Reserve Currency are uncoupled runners from the Chad Brown barn that could be in the garden spot if top selection wilts in the stretch.
NINTH: Into Happiness was too close to hot pace in last start; turnback to mile is the clincher. Saddle Up Jessie was just a neck behind a repeat winner when a game second in the Ladies Stakes last time; very dangerous. Lady Brew could impact at beefy ticket if fractions get hot and hectic.
10TH: Dolce Veloce drilled three times since game placing in last; returns quick dividends for new barn. Apollonia C was a clear-cut second in debut; big-time contender. Book of Wisdom owns three seconds and two thirds from six starts; another minor award? Inflammabelle noticeably picked up the tempo in morning drills as race day drew near; follow the money.
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