Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Wednesday, Nov. 12
Best bet: CITY OF OSCARS (8)
Best value: GOTTA GUY (4)
FIRST: Trango Tower compiled tight work tab for first start since moving to Linda Rice barn; primed. Metfardeh was done in by wide trip when favored last time; dangerous. She's a Gemma fired 5-furlong bullet for first start since February; worth long look.
SECOND: That'sthefactjack should move forward in second start since two-month absence. Spirit of Esther could prove tough on a soft lead. Kyle's Mom was a fast-figured maiden winner at the Big A in June; must consider.
THIRD: Defended ships in from South Florida and logs fast figures on best efforts; nice fit at this level. Majestic Return is a front-running threat on best efforts. Proud Foot drops in first start for Rice barn; mixed message.
FOURTH: Gotta Guy is fresh and logs fast late-pace figures on best efforts. Cocktailsnkringle holds razor-sharp current condition; big-time player. Mission Hill sheds the blinkers and returns to dirt; very interesting.
FIFTH: Fric and Frac is from a dam that has thrown two turf winners and jockey-trainer combo is 2-for-5 in last 60 days. Pazz the Soy Sauce is speedy and could prove tough to collar on an unchallenged lead. Orie could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Makeyourmoment should pack intensified wallop with cutback to sprint.
SIXTH: River Empress worked twice since tough-trip fourth in last; improvement predicted. Salt Princess has finished second in last two starts; another placing? Avery's Wonderland owns sprinter's speed and could prove tough to collar on a soft lead.
SEVENTH: Leftembehind should pack intensified wallop with cutback to mile. Pineapple Man could play out as the main speed; very dangerous. Aggregation consistently fires big efforts; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: City of Oscars is 1-for-1 on Aqueduct turf; takes another. Alexis Zorba regressed in last after string of strong efforts; rebound potential. Devil in Disguise was a clear-cut second in last; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Gilbane gets confident price hike after game placing in debut; more to come. Lexington Pike displayed improved speed in last start; dangerous. Mr Browns Town moves to grass for Chad Brown; obvious threat. Fazzone was a wide fifth in debut; forward move expected.
