Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Feb. 28
Best bet: FULL MOON MADNESS (4)
Best value: CROWN THE BUCKEYE (10)
FIRST: Bounty Banker was a clear-cut second in last; slight cutback in distance heightens stretch kick. Central Spirit is speedy, adds blinkers and could prove tough on a soft lead. Judge Boushay debuts for Chad Brown; need more?
SECOND: Nycon tallied swift late-pace figure when second in last at Gulfstream. Interstatelovesong could play out as the dominant speed. Paradise owns a win and a second from two starts; must consider.
THIRD: I'm Kidding projects as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Redwineandwhiskey could be ideally positioned if front-end duel develops. Mambagigi is one of numerous front-runners in contentious dash; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Full Moon Madness was dueled into defeat at Laurel last time; earned best numbers at the Big A. Breslau logged fast-figured score last out; very playable. Acoustic Ave could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
FIFTH: Skylander is a last-race winner that owns faster back numbers; repeats. J J's Ranger ships in from Parx after swift-figured win in last; dangerous. Hours in a Day drops and is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
SIXTH: Credit Risk gets Lasix for 3-year-old debut; timid call in race with numerous newcomers. Sugartown Sweetie was a sharp second in last; could easily take this. Rock Steady Babe owns three thirds from four starts; more show dough?
SEVENTH: Liberty Rising has won two of last three and could fall through the cracks in the wagering. Fireballin owns speed and should be tighter in second start since eight-month layoff. Sanzio should pack amplified kick with cutback to sprint.
EIGHTH: Full Screen was freshened after winning two in a row earlier this winter; picks up where he left off. Phileas Fogg owns speed and fast figures; big-time threat. Komorebino Omoide is training sharply for local debut; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Whittington Park is rested and logs field's fastest late-pace figures on best efforts. Donegal Surges regressed last time after clear-cut score in prior; bounce-back threat. Bramito would be aided by pace meltdown.
10TH: Crown the Buckeye was dueled into defeat in Grade 3 stakes at Fair Grounds last out; sharp works in the interim seal the deal. Hammond ships in from Florida for Saffie Joseph; very dangerous. Balboa could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling; must be factored into the mix. Dirty Rich also is fleet-footed and ships in from Oaklawn for Peter Miller; don't overlook.
