Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, Feb. 18
Best bet: WANNA WINNA (9)
Best value: BARONESS BOURBON (8)
FIRST: Eusebius displayed improved speed in last; three sharp works in the interim seal the deal. Timing Difference would be aided by pace meltdown. Allegrini has the benefit of the rail at two turns; don't ignore.
SECOND: Antenna is fresh and can win from on or just off the pace. Bustin Time could play out as the speed of the speed. Anna's Wish was a sharp second on New Year's Day; must consider.
THIRD: Disappearance owns a win at the mile distance; call based on price. Cheeky Tico was a fast-figured second in last; dangerous. Union Lights gets class relief and favorable cutback in distance; worth long look.
FOURTH: Monarch gets the meds after flashing speed in debut; tighter today. Just Music will be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Hot Candy was a non-stressful sixth in debut; improvement expected.
FIFTH: Lady Banker was done in by pace pressure last time and now returns to level of claim two back; forward move predicted. Pauciloquent needed last; price will be tempting. Devilly was an improved third in last; regresses today?
SIXTH: Judge Rules tallied solid late-pace figure when a clear-cut second in last; more to come. Mama's Dream displayed improved speed in last; very interesting. Eric From Miami makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; worth long look.
SEVENTH: Blu Grotto drilled four times since facing tougher last out; logged all three wins on Big A loam. Ministerial is training with a purpose for first start since June; must consider. Daddy Knows logs fast figures on "A" efforts; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Baroness Bourbon tallied swift final fraction when losing head bob for all the money last time; price should be on your side. Bernietakescharge owns speed and fast figures; very dangerous. My Mane Squeeze owns three wins and two thirds from five starts; likely underlay.
NINTH: Wanna Winna closed into hot final fraction when a clear-cut second last time; gets there today. Wafir has finished second in last three starts; runner-up again? Compromiser never got going in the slop last time; very playable. Good Reunion makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; must be factored into the mix.
