Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, Feb. 5
Best bet: TOWER TWENTY TWO (7)
Best value: TIMAEUS (9)
FIRST: Tahila makes first start since claimed after clear-cut placing in last; more to give. Undergrad was a useful fourth in debut; very dangerous. Three Nines Fine is speedy and could prove tough on a soft lead.
SECOND: Will Not Be Swayed was a determined winner in last; faster back figures seal the deal. Romantic Dancer owns two wins and two placings from last five starts; worth long look. Paula's a Star is fleet-footed and training with a purpose; big-time player.
THIRD: Exhibition Only compiled eye-catching work tab for first start since November; ready. Neigh Baby could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Just Tipsy displayed improved speed in last; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Maggie T owns speed and drops; weakness of field helps, too. Tabloid Material regressed last time after fast-figured win in prior; rebound threat. Enigmatic is quick from gate and should be aided by cutback to sprint.
FIFTH: Flee adds blinkers and gets confident price boost since claimed; improvement predicted. Tenacious Child drops after wide trip in debut; must consider. Cathedral Aisle gets class relief and favorable cutback in distance; right in the thick of this.
SIXTH: Don Luis was a tenacious maiden winner in first start on Big A loam; pairs up. Roofer is speedy and rested; dangerous. Merica's Back also is quick from gate and returns from freshener; must be factored into the mix.
SEVENTH: Tower Twenty Two ships in after winning two in a row at Parx; ready for prime time. I'm Kidding could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling. Redwinenandwhiskey could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
EIGHTH: Analog Jones cuts back and should pack amplified wallop in first start since claimed by Linda Rice. Complex Music was done in by pace pressure last time; don't ignore. High Oak plunges precipitously in price; damaged goods?
NINTH: Timaeus logged three tight works for first start in 54 days; big effort on tap. Shadow Surge was a fast-figured 11-length winner in last; bounces today? Cool Andy notched determined win in first start since moving to Linda Rice; worth long look.
10TH: Sports Hero fired crisp half-mile work since solid third in last; call in weak nightcap. Into Inspiration is speedy, rested and could prove tough on a soft lead. Inonit is training swiftly at Fair Hills training center; very interesting. Alias has beaten just one horse in last two starts but owns fast back figures; mixed message.
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