Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, April 3
Best bet: RUNGIUS (7)
Best value: ONE VISION (5)
FIRST: Soundbite tallied fast late-pace figure when winning last by nearly nine lengths; more to come. Bells Beach bested a next-out winner when second last time; dangerous. Malu never fired last out but is more than good enough on best.
SECOND: Linda Rice entry: Poseidon's Mist (led late and faded) and mate Trade Secret (even fifth) both wheel back in a hurry after racing in Friday's second event. Chasing Daylight owns speed and drops; worth long look. Dolce Sera is riding a forward line on the numbers; price will be tempting.
THIRD: Moonlit Weekend drilled twice since last outing; improvement predicted. Catchphrase regressed in last after fast-figured score in prior; bounce-back threat. Gregorian Solo would be aided by pace meltdown.
FOURTH: Equus is rested and drops two price levels; best if not damaged goods. Brzina, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, owns speed and makes first start since claimed. My First Love could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.
FIFTH: One Vision has trained strongly since front-running maiden win in last; pairs up. Revivalism gets class relief and adds blinkers; worth long look. Twenty One Kid ships in for capable Philly-based barn; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Remember the Chief was done in by pace pressure last time; softer flow predicted. Macaw owns fast back numbers but went to the sidelines for nearly eight months after leaving the track in equine ambulance last August; mixed message. Well Suited, an uncoupled stable mate of second pick, gets Lasix for first time; worth a look.
SEVENTH: Rungius outworked 186 rivals since empty eighth in last; forward move predicted. Macallan was rested for seven weeks after hard-fought win in last; dangerous. Peek could play out as the main speed with aggressive handling.
EIGHTH: Ah Ca Ira was second to a repeat winner in last; her turn today. Welcome Back Babe could get the early jump with heads-up handling. Houdini's Bride owns a second and a third from two starts; logical contender. Sky Runner adds blinkers and drops; wake-up potential.
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