Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Jan. 29
Best bet: KAT STORMY (4)
Best value: TWENTY FOUR MAMBA (7)
FIRST: Undergrad, a useful fourth in debut, hails from the scorching Linda Rice barn. Three Nines Fine is speedy and could prove tough on a soft lead. Patience N Grace would be aided by fast fractions.
SECOND: Just Tipsy projects as the controlling front-runner. Pride of the Union could be the prime beneficiary if top selection wilts. Where's Your Boom has finished second in all three starts; hard to ignore.
THIRD: Maggie T could get the early jump from the rail with aggressive handling. Book of Wisdom will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall in the stretch. Best Impression has won two of last three starts; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Kat Stormy compiled tight work tab for first start in eight weeks; ready. A. P. Slingshot was a second to a repeat winner in last; very dangerous. Yolo is rested and logs fast figures on best efforts.
FIFTH: Tranquil Sea gets blinkers and Lasix after working twice since last start; forward move predicted. Kid Rich will prove very tough to collar on a soft lead; paltry price is the problem. Introubleagain exits clear-cut placing in last; very playable.
SIXTH: Concorde Spirit was disqualified after making sustained run to win last; rights the wrong today. Mad Banker wheels back quickly after sharp score on Jan. 15; could easily take another. Caddiemaster makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; hard to ignore.
SEVENTH: Twenty Four Mamba compiled seven tight works for first start since November; primed for "A" effort. Forgiving Spirit also is training with a purpose and consistently fires big races; dangerous. Gunner Bay was second to a repeat winner in last; must consider.
EIGHTH: D'ont Lose Cruz regressed in last after fast-figured win in prior; rebounds. Dot's Dollar could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Canyouhearmerunnin could be ideally positioned if pace duel develops. My Man Matty is fresh, fleet-footed and must be factored into the mix.
