Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 20
Best bet: SENEGAL (8)
Best value: TRANGO TOWER (1)
FIRST: Trango Tower was compromised by wide trip in last; forward move predicted. Raghba held nine lengths to the good on top selection when a fast-figured second last times; bounces today? Inefficiency debuts for Chad Brown; could be the goods.
SECOND: Shellac is fresh and owns sprinter's speed; swiftest of the swift with proper ride. Antietam could be the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Klimt Master could land in exotics at fat ticket if fractions get hot and hectic.
THIRD: Whitby projects as the main speed on the rail with heads-up handling. Maldini was second to a repeat winner in last; very interesting. Carlin Contention is a last-race winner that could fall through the cracks in the wagering.
FOURTH: Flat On was an eased-up winner in last; more to give. Laughing Boy, another that won last, could prove very tough on a soft lead. Eric From Miami could impact if front-end duel develops.
FIFTH: Bold Love gets Lasix and moves to main track; tight work tab seals the deal. Frankie Coffeecake has finished second in both starts; another placing? Mitolegayne was dueled into submission after taking heavy tote support for debut; don't ignore.
SIXTH: Coquito makes first start for Linda Rice after winning last; takes another. Curlin's Magic, another from the Rice barn, takes precipitous price plunge after failing to beat a runner last week; damaged goods? Patty Cakes is fresh and logs fast figures on best efforts; must consider.
SEVENTH: Graceful Rose was an improved second in last and drilled at Delaware base in the interim; keeps on giving. I'm Kidding owns speed but lacks heart; must take the good with the bad. Undergrad capitalized on soft splits when a front-end winner in last; handle with care at short price.
EIGHTH: Senegal tallied swift late-pace figure when winning last; pairs up. Toga Dan fired crisp half-mile since tough-trip fifth in last; worth long look. Romeo Void worked four times since dominant win on Jan. 4; dangerous. Oath of Omerta makes third start of form cycle; don't ignore.
More horse racing
