Steve Matthews’ Aqueduct selections for Sunday, March 12
Best Bet: PATRICK’S HARP (1)
Best Value: SPLASHTASTIC (8)
FIRST: Patrick’s Harp is firing bullets for first start since October; drop into maiden claimer seals the deal. Joywave also is training with a purpose for return from layoff; very dangerous. Gun for Hire regressed last out after fast-figured second in debut; worth long look. Spicy Sider could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Mighty Zealous makes peak start of form cycle after clear-cut second in last; call based on price. Joe Franklin is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Chelios took backward step in last after fast-figured win in previous start; rebound threat.
THIRD: Causeway Cutie packs solid late kick and lands in weak field; gets diploma in 19th try? Two Term Max is fleet-footed but failed when 50 cents on the dollar last time; must take the good with the bad. Mood Swing displayed improved speed in last; very playable.
FOURTH: Celtic Chaos owns swift late-pace figures and was a game second in last; more to come. Pop the Hood notched a win and a placing since returning from five-month absence two starts back; 3-furlong workout on March 2 adds to appeal. Spooked Out makes first start since gelded; more than good enough on “A” game.
FIFTH: Arch Or Nothing was a tough-trip second in last and notched only win on inner track. Wildcat Belle is speedy and rested and logged only win off the bench; very dangerous. Double Dose was less than two lengths behind top selection when an even fourth on Feb. 17; don’t dismiss.
SIXTH: Jetsam Six owns a win and a third in two starts on winterized oval and has benefit of rail at two-turn mile. Rosa Dorata is quick from the gate and could play out as the controlling speed with aggressive ride; very interesting. Unbridledadventure gets class relief after being pace and position compromised last time; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Cause for Surprise chased swift splits when third behind a pair of next-out winners last time; dominant speed with proper ride. American Road was a game second in last and can be effective from on or just off the lead; very dangerous. Baby Bear’s Soup was four lengths behind top selection last time but owns fast back numbers on best races; don’t ignore.
EIGHTH: Splashtastic is riding a four-race winning streak and 9-furlong distance should play to strength. Dolphus owns speed, is training swiftly and will prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Diversify has yet to taste defeat in four starts; underlay material.
NINTH: My Won Love tallied solid final fraction when a tough-trip fourth versus pricier field last time; throw deep in soft nightcap. Lady Luciano was second to a much-the-best, repeat winner in last; very dangerous. Julie D is speedy and drops; big-time, wire-to-wire threat. Northern Screamer was an ultra-game second in last; must be factored into the mix.
