Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Dec. 12
Best bet: PURE MISCHIEF (8)
Best value: TRANGO TOWER (4)
FIRST: Thirsted is speedy and drops; call in weak opener. Never Say Uncle could improve with switch to dirt. Winston D was an improved fourth in last; worth long look.
SECOND: Sammy C Note gets favorable cutback to sprint. Liberty Rising owns two seconds and a third from last three starts; another minor award? Pretrial Statement should be aided by today's shorter trip.
THIRD: Lady Rose wheels back in a hurry after winning by nearly six lengths on Nov. 28; takes another. Pinky Brier logged wire-to-wire scores in last two; very dangerous. St. Brigid's Cross was a game second behind Pinky Brier last out; must consider.
FOURTH: Trango Tower was a non-stressful third in last; forward move predicted. My Sherrona is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Dimensionality could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FIFTH: Fiddling Felix is fresh and should be aided by cutback to sprint. Alias makes first start since moving to Linda Rice barn; worth long look. Gypsy Dreaming tallied very fast final number on Big A loam last winter; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Moonlit Weekend is riding a forward line on the numbers. Best Impression bounced last time after game placing in prior; rebound threat. Mitole's Girl owns competitive back numbers; price will be on your side.
SEVENTH: Mo for the King is fleet-footed and drops; weakness of field helps. Toga Dan was a top-figured second in last; regresses today? I Can See That owns a win, a second and three thirds from six outings; must include in gimmicks.
EIGHTH: Pure Mischief displayed newfound speed in last; set for breakthrough. Party in the Army has finished second in three of four starts; another placing? Deacon Blues could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Violin owns win-early breeding on both sides of pedigree; follow the money.
