Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Nov. 21
Best bet: BIG AIR (1)
Best value: BEFORE THE WIND (9)
FIRST: Big Air tallied improved pace figure in last and could get unchallenged lead with aggressive handling. Atarah could be the prime beneficiary if top selection hits the wall. Looks First packs potent kick on best efforts; price will be tempting.
SECOND: St. Brigid's Cross projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Pinky Brier logged 10-length maiden score in last; dangerous. Patty's Girl gets class drop after regressing in last; very interesting.
THIRD: Alyvia Mavis was a clear-cut second in first start on Big A loam; more to come. Sabby Sunset is speedy and could prove tough on a soft lead. Dia Por Dia debuts for Linda Rice; could be the goods.
FOURTH: Certified Loverboy looms the controlling front-runner in compact field. Bourbon Day could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Top Gun Rocket is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
FIFTH: Escape Hall drops and returns to dirt; prohibitive price predicted. Tuscan Thunder has a profile that's similar to top selection but will offer far better odds; worth long look. Whiskey Stones ships in from Delaware for debut; follow the money.
SIXTH: Thirsted was a game second in first grass outing; four works in the interim seal the deal. Mo Curls adds blinkers and switches to sod; wake-up potential. Diliello was an improved third in last; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Sassy Princess bested a next-out winner when second in last; added ground plays to strength. Stress Reliever makes peak start of form cycle and will be favorably positioned near the front; dangerous. Best Impression consistently fires strong efforts; must consider.
EIGHTH: Graceful Rose owns a late-running style that could be well served in likely pace dynamics. Charge Nurse ships in from West Virginia after winning two straight at Charles Town; big-time player. Capital Gal should be aided by cutback to mile; right in the thick of this.
NINTH: Before the Wind is riding a forward line on late-pace and final figures; more to come. Nonno Joe has yet to take a backward step on the numbers; dangerous. Pretrial Statement is fleet-footed and could prove tough on a soft lead. Orie owns competitive numbers and gets Lasix for first time; must be considered.
