Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Jan. 10
Best bet: CLOUDY CHANCE (8)
Best value: CICCIOBELLO (5)
FIRST: Don Luis is training swiftly for first start in more than eight months; barn change seals the deal. Alias is fleet-footed and makes quick return; very dangerous. Poppy's Ticket should be aided by cutback to sprint; don't ignore.
SECOND: Ohoopee projects as the speed of the speed from outside slot in compact field. For the Ladies also is quick from the gate and will prove tough if able to shake clear from top selection. Interstatelovesong, an uncoupled barn mate of second pick, was a front-end maiden winner in last; must consider.
THIRD: Best Bet fired 5-furlong bullet since game placing in last; more to give. Whiskey N Soda packs potent late kick and could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Brown Don't Stop is speedy and has won three of last four; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Pinky Brier owns two wins and two seconds from five outings; price won't get pulse racing, however. Hot Currency was a fast-figured second in last; dangerous. Felix's Flower would be aided by hot pace.
FIFTH: Cicciobello logged two 5-furlong drills since third to runaway winner in last; faster back numbers are the clincher. Sagamore Mischief is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Jackson Heights looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Fleet N Ready owns speed and gets blinkers and Lasix for first dirt start; breakthrough predicted. Right to Party was a useful third in debut and could be aided by today's longer trip. Cost Effective fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; be no surprise.
SEVENTH: Good Lord makes first start since claimed by Brad Cox; nice fit with the locals at this level. Amy's Music makes third start of form cycle; worth long look. Fiddling Felix was a determined winner in last; must consider.
EIGHTH: Cloudy Chance fired 5-furlong bullet since improved placing in last; more to come. Dorth's Sol Dancer regressed in last after a string of strong efforts at Finger Lakes; price will be tempting. Nina Kay owns four seconds from six starts; you've been warned.
NINTH: Boiling Point was done in by poor start in last after solid third in debut; deserves another chance. Into Hijinks was a front-running second in debut at Parx; very dangerous. Queen Sally gets blinkers and Lasix for first start in seven weeks; very interesting. Galinda (Miguel Clement) and Tenacious Child (George Weaver) debut for potent first-out stables; follow the money.
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