Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Feb. 16
Best bet: ROYAL TRYST (2)
Best value: BEACH BOY AL (7)
FIRST: MY Gorgeous could get the early jump in weak field. Miss Fashionista was second at odds-on last time; for chalk lovers only. Lem Me Drink is fresh and training with a purpose; worth long look.
SECOND: Royal Tryst tallied solid late-pace figure when winning last; pairs up. Magnolia Midnight could prove tough on a soft lead. Just Call Ray would be aided by pace meltdown.
THIRD: Starship Defiant bounced last time after fast-figured win in prior; rebounds. Hazardous Humor could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Remain Anonymous has worked with a purpose since voided claim after winning on Dec. 14; mixed message.
FOURTH: Awesome Glo was a non-stressful third in first start since two-month layoff last time; more to give. Dame Catherine was a hard-fought second in last; obvious. Bells Tolling was an improved third in same last race as second pick; very interesting.
FIFTH: Memento Mi breezed five furlongs for final work in return from two-month layoff; ready. Maggie owns solid numbers but takes suspicious price plunge; proceed with caution at short odds. Maggie T is a front-running threat on best efforts.
SIXTH: Skyler's Artemis adds blinkers and makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; weak field helps. Gum Island is another that gets class relief; dangerous. Don Vino Vici was gelded since last start; must consider.
SEVENTH: Beach Boy Al visually impressed when winning on Jan. 27; crisp half-mile work in the interim seals the deal. What's Up Bro could play out as the controlling speed; big-time player. The Institute should pack intensified wallop with cutback to shorter sprint; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Red D G P makes first start since claimed by David Jacobson; career-best predicted. Thank You Jon is speedy and rested; very interesting. Best Bet is another that's fleet-footed; must be factored into the mix. Bobby the Tank fired 5-furlong bullet on Feb. 2; don't ignore.
