Steve Matthews’ Aqueduct selections for Friday, April 7
________________________________________
Best Bet: HOLD ON MOMMA (1)
Best Value: SAMADI SKY (2)
FIRST: Hold On Momma earned solid late-pace figure when second to a repeat winner in last; added furlong plays to strength. Madam Aamoura owns fast figures and looms the controlling speed; very dangerous. Storm Petrel makes peak start of form cycle after front-end placing in last; big-time threat.
SECOND: Samadi Sky notched fast final fraction when winning last; swift 5-furlong drill last week seals the deal. True Bet is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. We Did packs potent stretch kick on best efforts.
THIRD: Stroke Play drops and should move forward in second start since six-month absence. Northern Screamer regressed in last after game placing in previous start; rebound potential. Ducasa is speedy and 1-for-1 on the Big A’s main track; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Taoiseach was a hard-charging winner on inner track last time and owns two victories and a second in three starts on outer strip; pairs up. Readyheartandsoul logged fast-figured score at Laurel last time; dangerous. Chosen One Elijah has won three of last four; razor sharp and very playable.
FIFTH: Abounding Spirit wheels back in a hurry after dominant victory on main track last week; more to come. Loyal Heart bested top selection by nearly four lengths when winning on St. Patrick’s Day; very dangerous. Glotona Again took backward step in last after winning previous two starts; must consider.
SIXTH: Banner Bill is quick from the gate and projects as the main speed in field that’s light on front-runners. Skill Not Luck is training with a purpose for first start since claimed by David Jacobson; very playable. To the Victor exits fast-figured placing in last; must consider. The Catmancan compiled tight work tab for first start since February for Rudy Rodriguez; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: California Swing gets first-time Lasix and is training sharply for potent layoff barn (Christophe Clement); call in strong maiden field. Donwell tallied rapid final fraction when second at Gulfstream last time; very playable. Into the Breach was a clear-cut second at Laurel last out; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Absatootly is speedy, rested and could play out as the swiftest of the swift with aggressive ride. Flatterywillgetyou logged fifth victory from nine starts when a determined winner in Maryland last time; dangerous. Hot City Girl, 1-for-1 on Big A’s main track, is fleet-footed and owns fast figures; logical, short-priced player.
NINTH: Flatterfly drops to lifetime low, makes third start of form cycle and could be sitting on breakthrough in weak nightcap. Lynnie B is riding a forward line on the numbers; big-time player. Scatter Point makes first start with maiden-claiming tag and compiled tightly grouped workout tab for first start since September; worth long look. Judgement Free adds blinkers and should move forward in second start for Todd Pletcher.
