Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, March 15

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comMarch 13, 2026 5:27 pm

Best bet: SENOR PONCHO (8)

Best value: CICCIOBELLO (3)

FIRST: Essentially Fast fired half-mile bullet since last start and now makes third outing of form cycle; forward move predicted. Manhattan Chrome wheels back in a hurry after determined maiden win on March 5; dangerous. Mercilesanihilator is speedy and drops; likely underlay.

SECOND: Munnings Express was dueled into defeat last time; softer flow predicted. Princess Becca also owns speed and could prove tough if able to clear top selection. Mommasgottagun, an uncoupled barn mate of top selection, could be in the catbird seat if pace meltdown ensues.

THIRD: Cicciobello drops, makes quick return and gets favorable cutback in distance. Mr. Papagiorgio is speedy and riding a forward line on the numbers. Frizzante could be in the garden spot if pace gets hot and hectic.

FOURTH: Middle Market gets class relief after tallying improved internal numbers in last. Moment's Notice makes first start since gelded; dangerous. Red Miller was compromised by wide trip in last; price will be tempting.

FIFTH: Monte Avi needed last and drops to lifetime low; weakness of field helps, too. Killybegs Kid was second to a much-the-best winner last out; logical threat. The Hero Code never got going in the mud last time; worth long look on dry land.

SIXTH: Take Me to Londyn should pack enhanced wallop with cutback to 6 furlongs. Tammy's Cruiser was a front-end second in last; big-time player. Sabby Sunset regressed in the slop last out after wire-to-wire score in prior; bounce-back threat.

SEVENTH: Dr. Merciless cruised to front-end score at 20-1 last time; main speed once again at another fat price. Caddiemaster will be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Solo Dancing also would be aided by fast fractions; don't ignore.

EIGHTH: Senor Poncho flashed improved speed in last; drop to career low seals the deal. Shellac is fleet-footed and adds blinkers but takes suspicious two-level price plunge; you've been warned. Astern Command was a tough-trip fifth in last; very interesting. Lough Currane compiled tight work tab for first start since Jan. 11; must be factored into the mix.