Best bet: STOLEN BASE (6)
Best value: TRANGO TOWER (4)
FIRST: Come to Papa is 0-for-18 but makes first start since moving to Linda Rice barn; breakthrough predicted. Magnanimous Max owns speed and logged three tight works since last start; very playable. Noguchi, an uncoupled barn mate of top pick, was an improved second in last; must consider.
SECOND: Heavens Lee was rested after determined maiden score on Nov. 9; more to come. Purple and Gold was a 10-length maiden winner in last; very dangerous. Autumn’s Turn wheels back quickly after making sustained rally to win on Jan. 4; don’t ignore.
THIRD: Proud Foot gets confident price boost in first start since claimed; outside draw in compact field seals the deal. Atarah was freshened after winning two in a row this past fall; big-time player. Purr Factor is speedy and looms a wire-to-wire threat in local debut.
FOURTH: Trango Tower makes third start of form cycle and owns solid back numbers; call based on price potential. Lost Horizon fits Chad Brown’s signature pattern; likely underlay. Formaggio has been second in three of last four starts; must be given a look.
FIFTH: Leading Role regressed last time after fast-figured win in prior; rebounds. Airborne Elite drops after being eased in last but owns fast numbers on “A” efforts; mixed message. Capt Jax Parrow would be aided by pace meltdown.
SIXTH: Stolen Base is training with a purpose for first start for Brad Cox; fires big effort. Systemic Change has won three of last four; could easily take another. Feeling Woozy ships in after 11-length romp at Laurel last out; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Toga Dan took backward step in last after game placing in prior; bounces back today. Smilensaycheese drilled three times since six-length win in last; dangerous. Mad Banker exits strong placing in last; must be factored into the mix.
#Steve #Matthews #Aqueduct #selections #Thursday #Jan
