Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Saturday, Feb. 21

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comFebruary 16, 2026 10:03 pm

Best bet: RULE SIXTY TWO (2)

Best value: WHISKEY N SODA (4)

FIRST: Last Man Standing drops and owns fast figures on "A" efforts; short price is the problem. Ari's Magic was speed-sharpened last out; very interesting. Collect From Ike tallied swift numbers this surface and distance last winter; odds will be tempting.

SECOND: Rule Sixty Two drops and makes third start of form cycle; two swift works since last outing seal the deal. Hard to Say was a clear-cut second in last; logical threat. Math Tutor owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead.

THIRD: Commuted is fleet-footed and rested; rates close call. Sharp Spark runs late and could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Sagamore Mischief makes peak start of form cycle; more than good enough on best.

FOURTH: Whiskey N Soda jumps in price after determined win last; takes another. Confabulation regressed in last after fast-figured win in prior; rebound threat. Hey Toby gets class relief and could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat.

FIFTH: Double Act is rested and gets blinkers and Lasix for 3-year-old debut; ready. Dr. Sinatra was an ultragame second in last; very dangerous. Pauillac debuts for Chad Brown; follow the money.

SIXTH: Braciole took backward step in last after hard-charging win in prior; rebounds. Yo Banana Boy was a fast-figured, front-end winner in last; worth long look. Funny Uncle is riding a two-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.

SEVENTH: Always Angels climbs the ladder after dominant score in last; more to come. Irish Maxima is speedy and firing bullets for return; big-time player. Sweet Brown Sugar has been idle since last spring but owns eight wins from 14 outings; hard to ignore.

EIGHTH: Intentious is rested and packs potent kick on "A" efforts. Munnings Express owns two wins, two seconds and a third from five starts; must respect. Majestic Return was claimed from fast-figured, front-running score in last; must be factored into the mix.

NINTH: Grey Ace was a clear-cut second to a repeat winner in last; his turn today. Cat Fast drops to lifetime low for Linda Rice; dangerous if all is well. The Hero Code should be aided by cutback to sprint. Solo Flight is fresh and returns to maiden-claiming ranks; don't ignore.