Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Jan. 2

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comDecember 29, 2025 1:40 am

Best bet: HUE (7)

Best value: D'ONT LOSE CRUZ (6)

FIRST: Classic Cara drops and is training swiftly for first start since October. Purple and Gold is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Rogue Justice hails from white-hot John Ortiz barn; must consider.

SECOND: Swiss Army Knife gets blinkers and Lasix and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; breakthrough predicted. First Blessing logged improved internal numbers in last; price will be tempting. Southeastern makes first start since gelded; dangerous.

THIRD: Create Trouble wheels back in a hurry after non-threatening eighth this past Saturday; improvement predicted. Laughing Boy drilled three times since last start; more than good enough on "A" game. Unbridled Bomber needed last and fired bullet work in the interim; don't ignore.

FOURTH: Alias exits game placing in last; gets job done today. Copious is firing bullets for first start since November; dangerous. Shadow Banking fits Chad Brown's signature pattern; be no surprise.

FIFTH: Major Bourbon drops and moves to grass for second start; three tight works seal the deal. The Toy Cannon could play out as the main speed on the rail. The Last Delivery regressed last time after solid second in prior; rebound threat.

SIXTH: D'ont Lose Cruz gets confident price hike by new barn after winning last at Finger Lakes; owns victories on Big A loam. Burninhunkoflove was a wire-to-wire winner in last start; speedy and very playable. Apollo Code bounced last time after game placing in prior; worth long look.

SEVENTH: Hue tallied fast late-pace figure when a clear-cut winner in last; pairs up. Romantic Dancer took backward step in last after winning prior two starts; big-time player. Sarir is fresh and logs swift numbers on best efforts; must be factored into the mix.

EIGHTH: Twirling Lulu is fleet-footed and gets Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle; wire to wire. Blame the Banker should pack enhanced kick with cutback to sprint. Chocolatechocolate also turns back and should have amplified wallop. Scarlet's Dream is rested and training swiftly; price will be tempting.