Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Nov. 20
Best bet: COQUITO (5)
Best value: GOLDEN ICE (7)
FIRST: Britain drilled three times since useful third in debut; more to come. Interstatelovesong, from a dam that has thrown two winners, debuts for streaking stable. Pomerance, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, makes first start for Chad Brown; follow the money.
SECOND: Our Preferred Pal is rested and projects as the main speed with proper ride. Off Script owns six seconds and a third from eight starts; another minor award? Lady Delilah could move forward with return to dirt.
THIRD: I'm Kidding is fleet-footed and should get early jump in compact group. Sheer Will could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. That's Funny needed last and drops; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Whiskey N Soda is training with a purpose for return from 11-month absence. Solo Empire owns speed and gets class relief; price will be tempting. Flat On, an uncoupled barn mate (Rudy Rodriguez) of second selection, logs fast figures on "A" efforts.
FIFTH: Coquito drops and makes third start of form cycle; set for best. It Takes Heart capitalized on soft fractions when besting top pick last out; gets same setup today? Shezanarcticqueen is speedy and drops; worth long look at long price.
SIXTH: Garden of Grace consistently earns field's fastest late-pace figures. Froghollowsummer could play out as the speed of the speed; worth long look. Five Dozen Roses would be aided by pace meltdown; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Golden Ice ships in from Philly after winning three in a row at Parx; ready for prime time. Film Star was overmatched in Parx stakes last out; more than good enough on best efforts. Full Screen packs potent late kick on "A" races; must consider.
EIGHTH: Purloin made sustained rally to win last; takes another. Yankee Doodle has won four of late five at Finger Lakes; dangerous. Luna Moth is rested and has the benefit of the rail at 9 furlongs; very interesting.
NINTH: Jack's World was compromised by wide trip when third in last; gets there today. Power Speed is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Speedstre could wake up at fat odds with switch to sod. Kuleana was an even third in last; right in the thick of this.
