Steve Matthews’ Aqueduct selections for Saturday, March 18
Best Bet: BANNER BILL (1)
Best Value: CINDERELA EL CROME (6)
FIRST: Banner Bill has speed, starts from the rail and projects as the controlling front-runner. Marriage Fever exits determined victory in last; dangerous. Nonna’s Boy makes third start of form cycle after game placing in most recent; right in the thick of this.
SECOND: Downtown at Noon was a solid second in last and holds an experience edge in field of predominantly newcomers. Lucky Bug is firing bullets for first start for Rudy Rod riguez; could be the goods. Holiday Disguise debuts for Linda Rice and attracts go-to rider Cornelio Velasquez; stay tuned to the tote.
THIRD: Never Gone South was a late-running third in 7-furlong Gen George at Laurel last time and should pack amplified kick with cutback to shorter sprint. Life in Shambles regressed in last start after fast-figured fourth in previous race; rebound potential. Classy Class was an even fifth in Gen George and could move forward in third start since two-month layoff.
FOURTH: Bear Clause is riding a forward line on pace and final figures; call based on price. Chosen One Elijah gets class relief after speed and fade in last; very playable. Native George is fresh, owns speed and adds blinkers; very interesting.
FIFTH: Curious Cal projects as the dominant speed in field that’s light on front-runners. Portfolio Manager owns stalker’s style and could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall in the lane. Lazarus Project has finished third in last three starts; continues trend?
SIXTH: Cinderela El Crome was a determined, front-end winner at 23-1 last time and could get early jump at big price once again. Breeze Burner is speedy and has won three races in four lifetime starts; short price is the problem. T Loves a Fight could be ideally positioned if top two selections get involved in pace duel; don’t ignore.
SEVENTH: Lord Commander exits wire-to-wire victory in last and could play out as the controlling speed again in bulky, contentious field. Testosterstone packs potent stretch wallop and could easily take this if front-end meltdown ensues. Mr Palmer is riding a three-race winning streak; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Clothes Fall Off gets favorable cutback to 6 furlongs and could receive ideal, front-end setup in contentious Correction Stakes. Hot City Girl is speedy, razor-sharp and loves the inner track; big-time threat. Ultimate Holiday drew off to visually impressive win last time and should have more to give in third start since November.
NINTH: Desert Affair is riding a forward line on the numbers and logged two, sharp works since last start; more to come. Lynnie B is fleet-footed and can prove very tough on an unchallenged lead. Bank Elaboration also owns speed and drops to lifetime low; very dangerous. Negev bested a next-out winner when a game second in last; be no surprise.
