Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 13
Best bet: BIG DIG (2)
Best value: BRACIOLE (7)
FIRST: Flat On owns positional speed and has the benefit of the rail at two turns. Airborne Elite was an improved fourth in last; worth long look. Kismeholdmethrlme would be aided by pace meltdown.
SECOND: Big Dig is fresh and packs potent late wallop on "A" efforts. Snide owns speed and sharp current condition; dangerous. Higher Force was rested after winning two in a row this past fall; right in the thick of this.
THIRD: Curlin's Magic gets confident price boost in first start since claimed by Linda Rice. Bam's Bliss Kiss is speedy and riding a three-race winning streak; very dangerous. Romantic Dancer delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; must be factored into the mix.
FOURTH: Rumint could secure unchallenged lead with aggressive handling. Alyvia Mavis is rested and owns sit-and-pounce running style. Timia logged three tight works since front-running score last out; very playable.
FIFTH: Noguchi looms the speed of the speed with heads-up handling. Come to Papa, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, owns three seconds from last four starts; another placing? Natural Hunk could be aided by today's longer trip; price will be tempting.
SIXTH: Whistler's Style should pack intensified kick with cutback to sprint. Problematica's speed could be problematic for this field if she gets loose on the lead. Jackie the Joker is a last-race winner that owns faster back numbers; very interesting.
SEVENTH: Braciole took backward step in last after hard-charging win in prior; rebounds. Master Freud is fleet-footed and rates a puncher's chance at a price. Factually Correct also is speedy and could get the early jump; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Grand Commander drops one level after fast-figured third in last; rates close call. Givememythememusic turns back to distance of lone win; big-time player. Taparino and Come Full Circle could both land in the exotics at fat numbers if pace meltdown ensues.
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