Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Jan. 3
Best bet: RUSSIAN REALM (8)
Best value: TWO BITS (7)
FIRST: Luciana's Honor displayed newfound speed in last start; breakthrough predicted. Island Charm fired half-mile bullet since improved placing in last; dangerous. Rosa Lisa bested top selection by three lengths when second in last; must consider.
SECOND: Funny Uncle closed into hot final fraction when a sharp second in last; more to come. Leading Role logged front-end score in last; could easily take another. Gunner Bay wheels back in a hurry after even fifth versus pricier this past Sunday; very dangerous.
THIRD: Balboa was done in by pace duel in Remsen Stakes last out; softer flow predicted. Freedom's Echo has trained strongly since 11-length maiden score at Parx; worth long look. My World is riding a two-race winning streak; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Deacon Blues should pack intensified kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Hurricane Kaz is speedy and could prove tough on a soft lead. Royal Riddle owns two seconds and a third from four starts; must consider.
FIFTH: Jackson's Dixie gets confident price boost after pace-pressing score in last; takes another. Curlin's Magic makes first start since moving to Linda Rice barn; dangerous. Looks First was a clear-cut winner at this level in last; must consider.
SIXTH: Sinister Smile worked three times since even fifth versus better at Churchill Downs last out; more to give. Social Hour owns speed and fast figures; dangerous. Pair of Socks is more than good enough on "A" efforts.
SEVENTH: Two Bits bested a next-out winner en route to clear-cut score at the distance in last; takes another. Dazzling Dame owns speed and is effective from on or just off the pace. Shilling also is quick from gate and should be aided by cutback to mile.
EIGHTH: Russian Realm tallied swift final fraction when a determined winner in last; pairs up. Brazenly was overmatched in last; more than good enough on best. Bermuda Blitz owns two wins and two seconds from last five starts; must consider.
NINTH: Van Vollenhoven was a tough-trip fifth in last; call based on price. Vibrant Express is fleet-footed and riding a two-race winning streak; very dangerous. Roofer also is speedy and owns sharp current condition; worth long look. Puckish has been delivering big efforts at Finger Lakes; don't ignore.
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