AQUEDUCT 4/1/23
RACE 1
3- NORGAY- Following a no factor 4th place finish at this starter allowance level first time off the Arenas claim three races back, this gelding was dropped to a 40k NW2L claimer going one mile for his next start and had the blinkers removed for the first time since last summer. He responded with an okay 3rd that day, before coming back for the same number at the same distance in his next start, where he pressed three wide, took over approaching the stretch and stayed clear the rest of the way for an easy score in latest 3/17. Has been solid in those latest two without blinkers and while he is facing tougher today with the move back up into a starter allowance, the stretch out to 1 1/8 miles could benefit him, as this race appears to be a little weak on definitive speed types. Draws well, should be put in the game early by the aggressive, Huayas, and can take these a long way in the opener.
Exotics with-
A- 1- Gut Feeling, 5- Smoke and Heat
B- 2- Salto de Tigre
RACE 5
9- CALDO CANDY- Modest, steady works for this Candy Ride homebred making his debut in this state bred Sp. Wt. at 6 1/2 furlongs. Bond can have them ready to run big in their debuts on occasion and I like that this colt is out of harms way on the outside. Should come out of there running with the apprentice and is a first out danger in here.
Exotics with-
A- 4- Pete N Billy, 7- Meteorite
B- 5- Blue Plate Special
RACE 7
2- WATASHA- Was a non threatening 3rd going one mile at this 1x allowance level here in December, behind two horses that separated from the field in the final five- sixteenths, when making his first start for these connections, after they purchased him for 120k out of the Horses of racing age sale at Keeneland in November. Sputtered home badly in follow up race going the same distance at the same level when last raced in January. Has been given eleven weeks since that last outing and he appears to be doing well over the past month. Is given another chance at this 1x allowance level and the cutback to seven furlongs should suit. Can wake up with a big race in here today.
Exotics with-
A- 4- Life Changer, 8- Money Supply
B- 5- Handsome Cat, 7- American Law
RACE 8
4- MILES D- Didn’t show much of anything when a never involved 7th as the favorite in the Grade 3 Hooper going one mile at Gulfstream when returned off an eleven month layoff in January. Came back to NY for his next start and was 2nd best in the one mile Stymie behind a horse who has gotten really good this winter. Stretches back out to two turns in the 1 1/8 miles Excelsior today and this horse has done his best running going two turns. Should be sitting on a top race in his third start back off the extended break, any sort of an off track won’t hurt and he should be tough in here.
Exotics with-
A- 1- Curlin’s Wisdom, 2- Law Professor
B- 5- Keystone Field
