Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, March 13

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comMarch 7, 2026 10:37 pm

Best bet: INTENTIOUS (4)

Best value: EMERALD FOREST (8)

FIRST: Restless Renegade makes first start for Linda Rice; main speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Antietam, also from Rice barn, was a game second in last; big-time threat. Klimt Master needed last; price will be tempting.

SECOND: My First Dinah drops and could be in the garden spot in weak field. Liam's Diva has failed to finish the job when well-bet in both starts; you've been warned. Holly Ln was a hard-fought second in debut; regresses today?

THIRD: Maldini, claimed by Rick Dutrow last out, should be set for breakthrough in third start of form cycle. Come Full Circle, another that goes for new barn, exits hard-charging placing in last; very playable. Instant Success owns speed and could prove tough on a soft lead.

FOURTH: Intentious made sustained rally to win last; pairs up. Romantic Dancer has finished second in last four starts; another placing? Always Practical is riding a two-race winning streak for Linda Rice; right in the thick of this.

FIFTH: Echo in Eternity, third in last two starts, could be ripe to find winner's circle in third start since layoff. My First Love could be ideally positioned in the stalker's seat. Dorth's Sol Dancer owns fast back numbers; worth long look at long price.

SIXTH: Paradise Valley gets class relief after taking backward step in last at Parx; "A" game takes this. Typhoon Fury gets confident price boost after game second in last; very interesting. Mr Skylight is fresh and favorably posted; must consider.

SEVENTH: Cloudy Chance was caught four wide when second in last; rates close call. Will of a Womanne was an eight-length maiden winner in first start for Linda Rice; very dangerous. Dia Por Dia, also from Rice stable, is more than good enough on "A" effort.

EIGHTH: Emerald Forest gets confident price boost after clear-cut placing in last; more to come. Enduring Spirit is riding a forward line on the numbers; dangerous. Graywing is speedy and should be aided by cutback to 6 furlongs. Nabokov also is fleet-footed and could prove tough if able to shake clear early.