Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Feb. 26
Best bet: BONSAI WARRIOR (7)
Best value: PLAYA DEL MAR (3)
FIRST: Fever Night wheels back in a hurry (six days) and gets favorable cutback to mile. Grand Commander was caught nine wide on turn last time; worth long look. Taparino makes third start since long layoff; don't ignore.
SECOND: Free Dance, idle since December, logged both career wins when fresh; history repeats. New York Scrappy bounced last time after front-end score in prior; rebound potential. Golden Plate is a late-running threat on best efforts.
THIRD: Playa Del Mar made sustained rally when fifth in last; more to give. Fort Nelson was a two-move third in last; dangerous. Ez Roll gets confident, two-level price boost after clear-cut second in last; very interesting.
FOURTH: Ima Bad Wolf is rested, training sharply and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag. Gulfy was an improved second in last; dangerous. First Blessing has finished third in last two; more show dough?
FIFTH: Jackie the Joker took backward step in last after determined win in prior; bounces back. Maggie T was a front-running winner at this level in last; dangerous. My First Love never got going in the slop last time; class drop helps, too.
SIXTH: Spirit Dragon is riding a two-race winning streak; quick dividends in first start since claimed. Social Hour is speedy and can prove tough on a soft lead. Shoot the Nickel lost a head bob for all the money last out; must consider.
SEVENTH: Bonsai Warrior fired crisp half-mile work on Feb. 15 and projects as the main speed with aggressive handling. Mo Spice makes first start for Linda Rice after fast-figured score on Jan. 9; very playable. Reside, a determined winner in lone start last June, is training with a purpose for return. Escape Hall is fresh and could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
