Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Nov. 17
Best bet: FREE CHICKENS (7)
Best value: NUEVA YORK (8)
FIRST: Signal From Noise was second to repeat winner in debut; her turn on Thursday. Princess Sonya is training with a purpose for first start since Memorial Day of '21; dangerous. Adam's Angel was a clear-cut second in last; must consider.
SECOND: Voleuse is fresh and owns fast late-pace figures. Cerretta was a hard-charging second in last; very playable. Tara Dancer is speedy and will be aided by cutback to sprint.
THIRD: That Is Key drew off to more than eight-length score last out; more to come. Dat Dares Gold owns favorable stalker's style; big-time player. Big Tony's Girl makes quick return and drops; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Basilia logged three tight works since useful fifth in last; forward move predicted. Maybe Later made sustained run when third in last; dangerous. Can't Fool Me is a last-race winner that must be factored into the mix if able to escape AE list. No Payne owns positional speed; price will be tempting.
FIFTH: Runabout has won three of last four starts; takes another. Winning Drive wheels back in a hurry after improved fourth last week; very interesting. Its All Relevant will prove very tough on a soft lead.
SIXTH: Madrilena is rested and could get the early jump with aggressive ride in bulky field. Breeze Easy was a fast-closing second in last; big-time contender. Silky Blue could be ideally placed in the stalker's seat; must consider.
SEVENTH: Free Chickens logged clear-cut maiden score in first start on Big A loam; pairs up. Ice Cold Gold is fleet-footed and should be aided by cutback to sprint. Freudian packs potent kick on best efforts; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Nueva York fired two bullet works since fourth in key race last time at Finger Lakes; two-time winner at the Big A. Unique Unions is training sharply and owns positional speed; worth long look. Bronx Bomber owns fast late-pace figures on "A" efforts.
NINTH: West Star has worked consistently since tough trip in debut; class drop seals the deal. Hot Rod Lincoln is improving and adds blinkers; very playable. Destin Hoofman regressed in last after fast-figured fourth in debut; rebound threat. Makar owns speed and moves to dirt; must consider.
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