Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, April 16
Best Bet: THEODORA GRACE (9); Best Value: KHUFU (7)
FIRST: Jesters Song, ideally posted at 7 furlongs, was a fast-figured second at the distance in debut. Proven Hope logged two sharp works since useful sixth in debut; dangerous. Higher Quality fits the classic Chad Brown profile; price won't be on your side.
SECOND: Alarming Mission drops and gets Lasix after non-stressful fifth in debut; forward move predicted. Barone Marchis also gets class relief and the meds after fifth in first start; very playable. Street Culture was a clear-cut second in last; logical.
THIRD: Microsecond is speedy and owns a win on Big A sod. Straw Into Gold has a win and a second in two starts on Aqueduct grass; be no surprise. Good Old Boy is rested and has benefit of rail; must consider.
FOURTH: Alms has trained sharply since last start; improvement expected. Flower Point was a winner in lone start on Big A turf; very interesting. Technical Analysis is another Chad Brown runner that checks all the boxes; if the odds mean nothing to you.
FIFTH: Martinez makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; call in weak field. Acalteque owns speed and pulls weight from field; price will be tempting. Bosship was an improved third in last; must consider.
SIXTH: Messidor has been idle since determined win in only outing on Big A grass in November; ready for return. High Opinion, another that has been training sharply for first start since last fall, consistently delivers strong efforts. Minaun has all the earmarks of another overbet Chad Brown runner; your move.
SEVENTH: Khufu moves to dirt after displaying improved speed on Gulfstream grass last time; crisp half-mile breeze last week seals the deal. Got the Gold is fresh and packs potent late kick on "A" game. Flowing River is another that has trained swiftly since much-improved third in last; dangerous.
EIGHTH: Hilliard must overcome tough post but has deep-closer's style and should drop to inside heading into first turn with intelligent ride. Bar Fourteen owns speed and rates a puncher's chance at a fat ticket. High Tide compiled tight work tab for first start in 10 weeks; worth long look.
NINTH: Theodora Grace is working with a purpose for first start since last fall; Albertrani barn off to fast start at meet. Jasminesque could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Stella Mars is another that runs late and would be aided by hot splits.
TENTH: Prince of Pharoahs was done in by rough start in last; sharp half-mile work on April 10 is the clincher. Saint Selby owns two wins and a second from three starts; can you say underlay. Brew Pub regressed in last after fast-figured win in previous start; rebound threat. Runningwscissors owns four victories on Big A loam; don't overlook.
