Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, March 16
Best bet: INONIT (6)
Best value: NILRUC (3)
FIRST: Remember the Chief is training consistently for first start since last August; primed for big effort. Dialbolico could play out as the main speed; dangerous. Shakin the Belle could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Giant At Work was a hard-charging second last time; added furlong should help. Our Preferred Pal is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Knickknack has worked with a purpose since tough-trip third in debut; worth long look.
THIRD: Nilruc regressed in last after hard-fought third two back; rebounds. Belmont Union displayed improved speed in last; very interesting. Broderick fired bullet drill since last start; don't ignore.
FOURTH: Barbratina is rested and owns field's fastest late-pace figures. Fade to Grey set solid splits when a front-end winner last time; very playable. Bella Queen ships in from Parx after fast-figured score in last; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Jake Rocks gets confident price boost after sitting out "jail" period after claim; crisp half-mile work on March 8 seals the deal. Thank You Jon wired a richer group on Feb. 9; dangerous. Uncle George owns positional speed and competitive numbers; don't overlook.
SIXTH: Inonit should pack amplified wallop at 6 furlongs. Roofer owns speed and adds blinkers; big-time front-end threat. Schlomo has been a repeated failure at short odds; you've been warned.
SEVENTH: Lou drops and makes first start since switching barns; primed in first NYRA start. McDiesel, gelded since last start, is quick from gate and could prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. I'm Solo N in Love could be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues.
EIGHTH: Antonio of Venice was a change-of-pace third in last; half-mile bullet on March 4 is the clincher. Ignite the Light owns speed and fast final figures; very dangerous. Shipsational holds razor-sharp current condition; must be factored into the mix.
NINTH: Lady Zeta lands in nice spot for local debut after fast-figured score at Penn National last out; ready for prime time. Maggie T was compromised by poor start last time; front-running threat on best. It Takes Heart, a hot commodity at the claim box, goes for new barn after winning last by nearly 10 lengths; big-time player. Collect Dattt bounced last time after clear-cut win in prior; worth long look.
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