Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Sunday, March 1

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comFebruary 27, 2026 9:56 pm

Best bet: GRIT N GLITTER (8)

Best value: PROJECTABILITY (4)

FIRST: Charlie Hustle is speedy, rested and drops; breakthrough predicted. Reign It In could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Big Brooklyn was a change-of-pace third in last; worth long look.

SECOND: Carolina Smokeshow is fleet-footed and starts from the fence; controlling front-runner with hustling tactics. Mezcalifornia owns fast figures on "A" efforts. Current Climate takes suspicious price plunge after faltering in the lane last time; fire sale?

THIRD: Emerald Forest is riding a forward line on the numbers; more to come. My Man Matty could prove very tough on a soft lead. Tizmarkus makes third start of form cycle and owns fast figures on best efforts.

FOURTH: Projectability tallied improved late-pace figure last time; added ground plays to strength. Lucky Dragon is fresh and owns speed; worth long look. Noguchi is another that's quick from the gate; must consider.

FIFTH: Sassy Sats worked three times since game placing in last; takes another forward step. My Devine One owns a second and two thirds from last three starts; dangerous. Will of a Womanne makes first start since claimed by Linda Rice; must be factored into the mix.

SIXTH: Carvellian Quest was a clear-cut second after front-end duel in last; softer flow predicted. Ambition tallied sharp final fraction when winning last; very playable. Rock the Weekend needed last and would be aided by pace meltdown; price will be tempting.

SEVENTH: Hold Your Breath projects as the speed of the speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Alani delivers strong efforts with machinelike consistency; very dangerous. Lucille Ball was eased in last after impressing in first two starts; mixed message.

EIGHTH: Grit N Glitter notched solid late-pace figure when a sharp second in last; gets top honors today. Island Charm is speedy and has finished second in last two; logical contender. Icy Legs is another that exits placing in most recent; must be factored into the mix. Hip Hop Dancer returns to maiden-claiming ranks; don't ignore.