Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, Jan. 4
Best bet: NEXT ON STAGE (7)
Best value: BRACIOLE (4)
FIRST: Buntus Foclora should possess enhanced staying power with cutback to sprint. Crossingthechannel will prove very tough on a soft lead. Fightforallegiance gets blinkers and Lasix; must consider.
SECOND: Snide overcame pace pressure to win last; takes another. Canterbury Lane ships in from Kentucky for Wes Ward; dangerous. Racing Colors could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
THIRD: Astern Command owns speed, is rested and drops; weakness of field helps, too. Blame It On K J could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Romeo Void took backward step in last after improved placing in prior; rebound threat.
FOURTH: Braciole made last-to-firt rally to win on Dec. 10; pairs up. Prince Valiant could play out as the speed of the speed on the fence. National Identity packs potent kick on best efforts; must be factored into the mix.
FIFTH: Autumn's Turn was compromised by plodding fractions when second at 90 cents on the dollar last time; one more chance. Fire Agate drops after tough-trip third in last; dangerous. Will of a Womanne makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; very interesting.
SIXTH: Sassetti drilled twice since improved fourth in last; more to come. Lady Delilah should pack intensified wallop with cutback to sprint. Three Nines Fine is speedy and could prove very tough to collar on an unchallenged lead.
SEVENTH: Next On Stage was a late-running second to a repeat winner in last; three works in the interim seal the deal. I'm Buzzy jumps in price after clear-cut win in last; worth long look. Bobby Jean displayed newfound speed when finishing fourth behind top pick on Nov. 22; must consider. Purloin hails from the white-hot Linda Rice barn; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Down the Line wheels back in a hurry, gets rider upgrade and owns competitive back numbers; throw deep in wide-open nightcap. Chilly Cheesesteak drops after speed and fade in debut; worth long look. Beck's Dreamer makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; likely underlay. Carlin Contention and Daytona Moonshine are two that could impact at fat odds if pace meltdown ensues.
More horse racing
