Steve Matthews' Aqueduct picks for Friday, March 28
Best Bet: LADY ARWEN (2)
Best Value: LAST MANGO (1)
FIRST: Last Mango drilled three times since useful fifth in debut; rail at 1 1/8 miles seals the deal. Looking for Ginny could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Lonchura owns speed and needed last; very interesting.
SECOND: Lady Arwen bested a next-out winner when a game victor in last; takes another. Poseidon's Mist bounced last time; rebound potential in first start for Linda Rice. Irish Jackson is rested and owns competitive numbers on best efforts.
THIRD: Goldcrest drops and gets favorable cutback; demand value on runner with suspect current condition. Jackie the Joker also gets class relief and makes quick return; worth long look. Echo Seven could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead.
FOURTH: Mursal, idle for more than a year, fired swift half-mile drill on March 8; ready. Whistler's Style logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts; price will be tempting. Toned Up almost always fires but is 0-for-21 at the distance; you've been warned.
FIFTH: Honorable Becky makes third start of form cycle after improved third in last; more to give. Maxaluna was a determined winner in debut; dangerous. I Am Rue could be ideally positioned in the pace-pressing seat.
SIXTH: Mia Nipotina was compromised by wide trip in last; added ground should play to strength. Focus Pocus drops and owns fast back numbers; more than good enough on "A" effort. Lem Me Drink was a solid second at this price and distance last time; right in the thick of this.
SEVENTH: Delray was rested after fast-figured score eight weeks ago; ready for return. Broadway Lights gets confident class boost in first start since claimed by Rudy Rodriguez; very playable. Army Gal took backward step in last after swift-numbered win two back; rebound threat.
EIGHTH: Solomini's Legacy was an improved fifth in last; rider upgrade seals the deal. Capt Jax Parrow was a clear-cut second behind a 10-length winner last time; very dangerous. Runamor crossed the finish line first but was placed second via disqualification last out; be no surprise. Damage drilled four times since last start; very interesting.
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