Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Feb. 24
Best bet: FIRST SONS (9)
Best value: JOEY THE FISH (5)
FIRST: Foxy Cara is rested and training with a purpose; rates close call. Eastern Star will prove very tough on a soft lead. She's a Natural is 0-for-19 but is competitive on best efforts.
SECOND: Kitten's Appeal is fleet-footed and fresh; ready. Kid's Last Laugh was rested after winning two in a row; dangerous. Fancy Azteca is a front-running threat on best efforts.
THIRD: Colorful Lady compiled tight work tab since even fifth in debut; forward move predicted. Growth Rate was a much-improved third in last; worth long look. Just Music should pack enhanced kick with cutback to mile; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Notah overcame pace pressure when a front-end winner in last; pairs up. Proven Hope consistently delivers fast efforts; big-time threat. Night Effect is speedy and makes quick return; very interesting.
FIFTH: Joey the Fish tallied swift late-pace figure when winning last; more to come. Whistler's Style made premature move to the lead last time; rider change helps. Good Penny makes first start since moving to Rick Dutrow barn; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Five to Two bested a next-out winner when a clear-cut second in last; gets job done today. Find Your Joy owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Ariana Rye is training with a purpose for debut; stay tuned to the tote.
SEVENTH: Rock the Weekend was a last-to-first winner in most recent; repeats at a price. Sharpaz tallied swift internal and final figures when a game second last out; dangerous. Waralo exits swift-numbered placing in last; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Anejo, 3-for-4 at the Big A, has been training swiftly at Keeneland; horse for the course. Olympic Dreams will be aided by cutback to mile. Dr Ardito is a six-time winner on Aqueduct loam; must respect.
NINTH: First Sons displayed newfound speed last time; two works in the interim seal the deal. Ring Me was a solid third in debut; very interesting. Good Reunion will benefit from cutback to 6 furlongs. Sin Nombre regressed last time after two fast-figured efforts; bounce-back threat.
