Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Thursday, March 5

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comMarch 1, 2026 8:58 pm

Best bet: STEWIE (6)

Best value: COOL HAND RICH (1)

FIRST: Cool Hand Rich projects as the main speed with proper ride. Tactical Trackstar drops in first start since seven-month layoff; damaged goods? Magni could impact if pace meltdown ensues.

SECOND: Wynstock was freshened after top-figured score on New Year's Day; more to come. Le Gris is fleet-footed and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Ridgewood Runner won last two starts by a combined 18 1/2 lengths; don't ignore.

THIRD: Scarlet's Dream gets class relief after displaying improved speed in last; lone win was at the 7-furlong distance. Chocolatechocolate was a clear-cut second last out; dangerous. Saucy Six would be aided by fast fractions; price will be tempting.

FOURTH: Celtic Ledger was a tough-trip fifth in debut; throw deep in weak field. Quinns Silent Roar exits improved placing in last; logical contender. Berbice Honey could move forward with first-time Lasix; very interesting.

FIFTH: Flee is riding a forward line on the numbers; more to give. So Vain makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; dangerous. Tristar Fury failed to fire when well bet in debut; don't ignore.

SIXTH: Stewie gets confident price boost in first start since claimed; jockey-trainer combo is 3-for-4 in last 60 days. Timaeus needed last, drops and owns fast back figures; very interesting. Catch the Smoke compiled solid work tab for first start since July; don't ignore.

SEVENTH: What's Up Bro could get the early jump with heads-up handling. Merica's Back was a top-figured winner in last; bounces today? Super Swift has been sidelined since May but owns two wins and two seconds from four starts on Big A loam; mixed message.

EIGHTH: Richies Love was a useful fourth in first start since three-month absence; more to come. Languid debuts for potent win-early barn; stay tuned to the tote. Always Packen has finished third in both starts; more show dough? Whiskey Runner is fresh and training with a purpose; must consider.