Aqueduct Racetrack is set for a busy stretch of racing, and handicapper Steve Matthews has released his selections for the cards running Thursday, March 19th, through Saturday, March 21st. Matthews’ picks span a range of races, from claiming events to maiden specials, offering potential value for horseplayers across the three days. Analyzing form, pace, and jockey moves, Matthews has identified several horses poised for strong performances, with Looms Boldly, Delray, and Riyadh Moon highlighted as best bets.
The selections cover a diverse set of races, including those for fillies and mares, maiden claiming events, and races for horses returning from layoffs. Matthews’ analysis emphasizes horses showing improving form, favorable track conditions, and strategic positioning. He also points to key jockey-trainer combinations and horses with strong late-pace figures as indicators of potential success. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the competitive Aqueduct racing scene.
Thursday, March 19: Looking for Value in Recent York
Matthews’ top pick for Thursday is Looms Boldly (5) in the fifth race, citing the horse’s determined score in its last outing and faster back numbers. Ravin’s Ransom is also considered a threat, described as fleet-footed and capable of setting a tough pace. The best value play on Thursday is Whiskey N Soda (6) in the sixth race, where Matthews anticipates a forward move based on a fast late-pace figure from its previous start. Fort Nelson, exiting a front-running score, is identified as a significant danger in the same race. In the first race, Matthews favors Mia Nipotina (3), expecting improvement after a third-place finish last week. Other notable selections include Hip Hop Dancer (2) in the second race and Luckforyou (3) in the third.
Friday, March 20: Delray Headlines the Selections
Friday’s card features Delray (7) as Matthews’ best bet in the seventh race, noting the horse’s two wins and a second-place finish on the Big A loam. Brunch With Amy, exiting a fast-figured win, is also highlighted as a strong contender. The best value play for Friday is Sounds Like Fun (8) in the eighth race, with Matthews noting the horse has noticeably picked up the tempo in its recent workouts. In the first race, Swiss Army Knife (1) is favored, having been gelded since its last start and paired with jockey Kendrick Carmouche. Matthews also identifies Come to Papa (2) in the second race as a horse with continued momentum, riding a two-race winning streak.
Saturday, March 21: Riyadh Moon to Close Out the Weekend
Matthews is looking to close out the weekend strong with Riyadh Moon (9) as the best bet in Saturday’s ninth race. The horse’s recent perform, described as crisp, is seen as a positive sign after a disappointing run in the mud. Farm Team (1) is identified as the best value play in the first race, making a quick return after showing improved speed on March 7th. Other notable selections include Graceful Rose (4) in the fourth race, having bested a next-out victor in its last start, and Bramito (7) in the seventh race, returning from a rest after a clear-cut score on January 11th.
As Aqueduct’s spring meet continues, these selections offer a starting point for handicappers. Matthews’ analysis emphasizes the importance of considering recent form, track conditions, and jockey-trainer combinations. The coming days will reveal whether these insights translate into winning tickets.
What are your thoughts on these picks? Share your own Aqueduct selections and analysis in the comments below!
