Steve Matthews' Aqueduct selections for Friday, Jan. 23

By Steve Matthewssteve.matthews@newsday.comUpdated January 19, 2026 10:26 pm

Best bet: KAY ROAD (5)

Best value: SHE'S COMPLICATED (7)

FIRST: Big Brooklyn displayed newfound speed last time and could be sitting on breakthrough in weak opener. Vinnie Bankerino was second to a 10-length winner in last; worth long look. Takahama held more than seven lengths to the good on top selection when second in most recent; must consider.

SECOND: Bold Journey should pack enhanced kick with cutback to 6 furlongs. Acoustic Ave failed to deliver when fourth at 62 cents on the dollar in same last race as top pick; hard to toss. Baby Yoda is rested and firing bullets for return; don't ignore.

THIRD: Sabby Sunset owns speed and makes third start of form cycle; now or never. Tahila could be in the garden spot if top selection hits the wall. Lady Meringue is lightly raced and drops; not the worst place to land.

FOURTH: Ez Roll gets class relief after showing improved early foot in last. Shoot the Nickel runs late and could impact if pace meltdown ensues. Taparino is another that would be aided by fast fractions; price will be tempting.

FIFTH: Kay Road is training with a purpose and gets blinkers and Lasix for 3-year-old debut; primed. Backstreets drops and cuts back to sprint; dangerous. Carolannie regressed last time after hard-fought placing in prior; rebound threat.

SIXTH: Apollo Code, a wire-to-wire winner in last, projects as the main speed once again. Forgone made sustained rally to win last; very playable. Smilensaycheese bounced last time after fast-figured win two back; don't dismiss.

SEVENTH: She's Complicated owns fast back numbers and makes third start of form cycle; forward move predicted. That's Funny gets confident price boost after clear-cut win in last; could easily take another. Top of the Table was a game second in last; be no surprise. Poetic Amy packs potent late kick on best efforts; worth long look at long price.

EIGHTH: How About It owns speed and lands in weak nightcap; sheds shades for potent blinkers-off barn. Beck's Dreamer drops in first start since claimed by Linda Rice; price won't be on your side. Freedom Maker was second when favored in last; logical player. Daytona Moonshine can impact at fat ticket if pace meltdown ensues.