Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Monday, Feb. 19
Best bet: HEIR PORT (6)
Best value: DESERT DALLIANCE (7)
FIRST: La Grotte adds blinkers and projects as the main speed with heads-up handling. Strange Fruit has trained consistently since breaking maiden on Dec. 30; dangerous. Afilada could impact if pace meltdown ensues.
SECOND: Kupp lost all chance after stumbling at the start last time but projects as the speed of the speed if he stays on his feet today. Tetsu, claimed by Greg DiPrima last out, is more than good enough on best efforts. Beachwalker was a clear-cut second in last; be no surprise.
THIRD: Mariah's Fortune could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Honorably Lilly displayed newfound speed in last; price will be tempting. Vintage logged three wins from last five starts; logical contender.
FOURTH: Wecallemfuncoupons is fresh and training swiftly; rates close call. Augustine Red looms the prime beneficiary if pace meltdown ensues. Solo in Paris tallied swift numbers when breaking maiden on Big A loam this past November; right in the thick of this.
FIFTH: Midtown Lights has worked sharply since non-stressful fifth in last; forward move predicted. Amity Island exits improved placing when 24-1 in last; very interesting. Bon Adieu is riding a two-race winning streak; must be factored into the mix.
SIXTH: Heir Port gets aggressive price boost in third start of form cycle; crisp half-mile breeze on Feb. 10 is the clincher. Cajun Casanova could be in the garden if fractions get hot and hectic. Sunrise Journey is speedy and drops; must consider.
SEVENTH: Desert Dalliance logged four tight works since even fourth last out; improvement expected. Give Me Kisses is rested and owns fast numbers on "A" efforts. Royal Poppy consistently delivers strong races; obvious player.
EIGHTH: Zhen Lou is riding a forward line on the numbers; breakthrough predicted. Snarky is speedy, drops and adds blinkers; worth long look. Mangia regressed in last; dangerous on best efforts. Necessaryandproper was a sharp third in most recent; must consider.
