Litfin's Aqueduct horses to watch for week of March 2

MATTERHORN
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Last race: Feb. 28, 5th
Finish: 6th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 77
Making his first start since last summer, this $625,000 Tapit colt returned in a six-furlong allowance, trailed a slow pace to the stretch, and galloped out strongly past the wire as if merely getting the kinks out for an upcoming stretch-out.

RUTHLESS ALLEY
Trainer: Rodrigo Ubillo
Last race: March 1, 6th
Finish: 7th by 20 3/4
Beyer: 51
Sidelined since last March, he returned in a $32,000 claiming route and battled head-and-head for the lead through six furlongs before giving way; entitled to improve off that leg-stretcher if given a more favorable pace scenario.