Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Feb. 17
Best bet: GONE AND FORGOTTEN (9)
Best value: BELLE OF THE BALL (3)
FIRST: Steppin' Hawk could play out as the main speed in weak opener. Ukrainian Princess could be in the garden if top selection hits the wall. First Class Cat should be aided by turnback to sprint.
SECOND: Sundaeswithsandy is training with a purpose for first start in two months; ready. Bourbon Chase also is working sharply for first outing since December; be no surprise. General Banker is competitive on best efforts.
THIRD: Belle of the Ball was a sharp maiden winner in last; takes another for white-hot Linda Rice. Lincolnville Beach exits determined score in most recent; dangerous. Will Be Famous owns speed and fast numbers; right in the thick of this.
FOURTH: Hypnocurrency drilled twice since non-stressful fourth in last; forward move predicted. Voleuse was a tough-trip fifth last time; worth long look. Mytown Myrules gets price tag cut in half; fire sale?
FIFTH: Red D G P makes first start since claimed by David Jacobson; rates close call in wide-open dash. Whenlovetakesover makes quick return after breaking maiden last week; very interesting. Scotto could impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues.
SIXTH: Uptomykneesinit exits improved fourth last out; more to come. Irish Tenor was a clear-cut second in debut; logical. French Banker and Silver Satin are newcomers that are training sharply; follow the money.
SEVENTH: Ghalia Princess logged solid final fraction when winning debut; pairs up. Tiarella bested a next-out winner when a game second in first start; very playable. Most of All should be aided by cutback to 7 furlongs; don't ignore.
EIGHTH: Quick Power Nap could get ideal pace setup in contentious field. Newsdley is fleet-footed and fresh; price will be tempting. True Empress fired 5-furlong bullet since last start; demands attention.
NINTH: Gone and Forgotten makes peak start of form cycle; first outing for Mike Maker seals the deal. Kant Hurry Love could play out as the controlling speed; worth long look. Security Code is a last-race winner from the Linda Rice barn; must be factored into the mix.
10TH: Screw Loose was done in by hot fractions last time; class drop is the clincher. Deputy Connect failed to fire on wet tracks in last two starts; dry land helps. Ice Road is riding a forward line on the numbers; very interesting. Uncle Water Flow packs potent late wallop on "A" efforts; don't ignore.
