Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, April 11
Best bet: CAROL SAID NO (1)
Best value: PINEAPPLE MAN (4)
FIRST: Carol Said No drops after taking backward step in last; four works in the interim seal the deal. Soul Secret should be aided by return to dirt. Rodeo Star was freshened after 11-length maiden score on Feb. 14; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Light Thoughts was a front-running winner in last and could get the early jump once again. Proud Divi also is speedy and could easily take this if able to outsprint top pick for lead. Beira will be in the garden spot if top pair engage in front-end duel.
THIRD: Iron Man Ira projects as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Prince of Truth outworked 139 rivals in half-mile drill on March 30; very dangerous. Aint No Joke, an uncoupled barn mate of second selection, could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
FOURTH: Pineapple Man logs fast late-pace figures on best races; breakthrough predicted. Sin Nombre is riding a forward line on the numbers; price will be tempting. Provision gets class relief and owns competitive figures on "A" efforts.
FIFTH: Shesalittle Edgy should secure clear lead with heads-up handling. Gridlock bounced last time after fast-figured win two back; big-time player. Will Be Famous consistently fires strong efforts; must consider.
SIXTH: Bedtime Story was dueled into defeat last time; softer flow predicted. Book of Wisdom worked twice since improved placing in last; very playable. Peak of Chic is a front-running threat on top efforts.
SEVENTH: Buttah makes third start of form cycle after clear-cut second in last; more to come. Mo for the King could play out as the speed of the speed; price will be tempting. Play the Gray broke maiden by an expanding 10 lengths last out; must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: So Spirited was a tough-trip fifth in debut; improvement expected. Nine N Four wheels back in a hurry after non-threatening sixth this past Saturday; dangerous. Magic Beach also exits third race on April 5 and could prove tough on a soft lead. Stimuli should be aided by cutback to sprint; must consider.
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