Steve Matthews’ Aqueduct selections for Sunday, April 2
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Best Bet: WIZARDLY (2)
Best Value: SUMMER BOURBON (7)
FIRST: Frostie Anne displayed improved speed in last and should capitalize on softer flow with stretchout to a mile. Megan’s Muse could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues. Phocea has finished second in last three starts; logical, short-priced player.
SECOND: Wizardly logged swift late-pace figure in last and should pack amplified wallop with cutback to 7 furlongs. Fullfaithandcredit was victimized by front-end pressure in last; dangerous. Bluegrass Chat can prove to be a serious front-running threat on “A” game.
THIRD: Princessofthieves owns speed and is 1-for-1 on the Big A’s main track; rates close call. Picco Uno has trained sharply since winning second straight on Jan. 29; big-time threat. Riot Worthy owns a win and a second in two main-track outings; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Quai Voltaire is fleet-footed and projects as the controlling speed with aggressive ride. Light the Vow was a hard-charging second in last and looms the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall in the lane. Algorix gets Lasix after useful sixth in debut; improvement expected.
FIFTH: Three Eighty Eight, 1-for-1 on main track, should be sitting on breakthrough effort in third start of form cycle. All Day Lawn owns fast back figures and fired crisp half-mile drill on March 25; very interesting. Time Squared exits top-figured victory in last; bounces today?
SIXTH: Ethan Hunt was an improved third in last and owns “foundation” on the final figures; more to come. Toga Challenger has delivered strong efforts in both starts; be no surprise. Mr. Buff tallied swift number when a determined maiden winner in last; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Summer Bourbon was a fast-figured winner in last and now gets confident two-level price hike for new trainer; pairs up. Manipulated is riding a forward line on pace and final numbers; dangerous. Kohlase has trained swiftly since determined win in last; big-time player.
EIGHTH: Isabelle exits top-figured, 12-length victory in last; more to give. Verve’s Tale owns a win and a second in two starts on the Big A’s main track; don’t ignore. Winter has won three in a row at Laurel; price will be tempting.
NINTH: Ouro Verde is rested and tallied fast-figured second in debut on Jan. 16; call based on price. Really was a grudging second when 60 cents on the dollar in last at Laurel; logical, short-priced player. Citizen by Day makes third start since seven-month layoff; don’t ignore. Axe Capital was a front-running second in last at Parx; must be factored into the mix.
