Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, April 17
Best bet: MAGNOLIA MIDNIGHT (7)
Best value: BIG EGO (8)
FIRST: Lumenique worked five times for return from 48-day freshener; price drop seals the deal. Sweet Lilac owns speed in weak field; dangerous. Kyle's Mom could be aided by additional quarter mile; consider.
SECOND: Shirl's Delight fired crisp half-mile drill since last start; landing in soft group helps. Donor Advised was a clear-cut second in debut at Gulfstream for Chad Brown; obvious threat. Luckforyou could prove tough on an unchallenged lead; price will be tempting.
THIRD: Hero's Medal consistently logs the field's fastest final figures; price won't get pulse racing, however. Sorority Prank could play out as the main speed. Houlton fired half-mile bullet since last start; worth long look.
FOURTH: Return the Ring owns speed, gets class relief and makes third start of form cycle; rates close call. J J's Joker could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Honorary Degree is another that would be aided by swift splits.
FIFTH: Mariachi projects as the speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Cold as Hell also is fleet-footed and can win from stalker's seat, as well; dangerous. Spun and Won drops after defeating pricier group in last; mixed message.
SIXTH: Bold Endeavor regressed last time after pairing up wins in prior two starts; rebounds. Bossmakinbossmoves makes quick return for new barn after sharp score on April 6; very interesting. Margin of Air takes troubling price plunge for Linda Rice; fire sale?
SEVENTH: Magnolia Midnight looms the quickest of the quick with heads-up handling. Reasoned Analysis will be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Ignite the Light (last-race winner) and Treaty Obligation (all three wins at the distance) are two more that must be factored into the mix.
EIGHTH: Big Ego bounced in last after hard-fought placing two back; forward move predicted. King of the Castle, a game second in last, makes first start since claimed by Brad Cox; big-time threat. Break the Fall is fresh and owns competitive numbers; dangerous. Vesuvio gets Lasix and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; don't ignore.
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