Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, April 26

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comApril 20, 2025 5:50 pm

Best bet: SPOOL (9)

Best value: LEFTEMBEHIND (10)

FIRST: Alternate Reality tallied fast final fraction when winning last; more to come. Magnificent Mile drops after displaying improved speed in last; dangerous. Power Seeker plunges two price levels but owns fast back numbers; mixed message.

SECOND: Montebello overcame soft splits to win last; takes another. Forward Move had claim voided after determined win on March 14; problems brewing? Horse Be With You regressed in last after winning two starts back; rebound potential.

THIRD: Executive Order is training sharply for first start since December; won lone start in debut. Just Clarity fired 3-furlong bullet since last start; very interesting. Shoot the Nickel could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

FOURTH: Big Rich starts from demanding post but owns a win at 1 1/8-mile distance; call based on price. First Trumpet owns speed and drops; very interesting. Active Duty could be in the garden spot if fractions get hot and hectic.

FIFTH: Going for Glory compiled tight work tab for first start since last August; big effort on tap. Fifi La Fume is improving and should be aided by today's additional furlong. Sabby Sunset is speedy and could prove tough on a soft lead.

SIXTH: Dream On could get the early jump in field that's light on speed. End of Romance makes first stateside turf start; very playable. Septarian moves to grass for Chad Brown; likely underlay.

SEVENTH: Will of a Womanne was a clear-cut second in debut and should be aided by switch to sod. Inflammabelle is fleet-footed and could play out as the main speed. Long Legged Queen lost a head bob for all the money on Big A grass last fall; must consider.

EIGHTH: Follow Your Arrow will be forwardly positioned in bulky field. Lady Arwen could be in the catbird seat if pace meltdown ensues. Grace Reformed fires big efforts with machinelike consistency; must be factored into the mix.

NINTH: Spool notched solid late-pace figure when winning turf debut at Tampa; nice spot for first local outing. Summer Whirl, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, also packs potent late wallop. Tongue Twister makes third start of form cycle and owns win on Big A grass.

10TH: Leftembehind gets class relief and returns to turf; three tight works since last start seal the deal. Mr Flowers tallied only score on Aqueduct grass; dangerous. Miztertonic packs strong closing kick on best; don't dismiss. Toscano moves to grass in first start since claimed by Mike Maker; worth long look.