Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Wednesday, Dec. 10
Best bet: CITY BLOCKS (1)
Best value: SHOOT THE NICKEL (8)
FIRST: City Blocks went to the bench after winning two in a row this past summer; tight work tab for return. Bam's Bliss Kiss, a front-running winner at Finger Lakes last out, could play out as the main speed once again. Ariana Rye also is fleet-footed and could be overlooked in the wagering.
SECOND: Sixer was a tough-trip fifth in debut; improvement predicted. Waitin'onasunnyday is speedy and looms the controlling front-runner. Game for It is a newcomer that's firing bullets; very interesting.
THIRD: Casilda is quick from gate and drops; weakness of field helps, too. Mia Nipotina could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Auroralinna makes first start since claimed; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Shattuck tallied fast late-pace figure in key race last out. Golden Symphony is speedy and gets favorable cutback in distance. Kaz Sugar Bank could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
FIFTH: Fric and Frac gets class relief, adds blinkers and returns to dirt; breakthrough expected. Island Charlie is quick from gate and drops; dangerous. Hello Newman is riding a forward line on the numbers; don't dismiss.
SIXTH: More Vino owns sprinter's speed and could get early jump in first start since switching stables. Whiskey Frens won three of last five starts; worth long look. Bold Victory regressed last out after determined win in prior; rebound threat.
SEVENTH: Tall Paul, 1-for-1 at Aqueduct, makes first start for John Terranova. Braciole needs help up front but will offer juicy odds; worth a look. Master Freud was a clear-cut winner on turf last out; don't dismiss.
EIGHTH: Shoot the Nickel drops two price levels after wide third in last; more in tank. Cousin Ed was a winner in lone start on Big A dirt; dangerous. Dialbolico bounced last time after game placing in prior; rebound threat. Wajda's speed always gives her a chance; be no surprise.
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