AQUEDUCT – 4/16/22
RACE 1: 1-2-5-3
#1 PROVEN HOPE comes out of a strong MSW race at GP when he showed little after lingering at the back of the pack early. The pace never really materialized in that affair and he will now benefit from the start plus more ground. His pilot has been on fire of late as well.
RACE 2: 4-7-5-6
#4 BARONE MARCHIS is a second time starter who rallied a tad on debut and now returns off the bench with Lasix. He was 23-1 on debut in a bulky field that was considerably stronger than what he meets today. Look for him to stalk and pounce today.
RACE 3: 9-6-2-4
There were multiple efforts last year from #9 STRAW INTO GOLD that would make him a major contender here. He shows up for his 2022 debut as a new gelding in a race with confirmed speed. Things should set up well and he’ll be a fair price at 7/2 or so.
RACE 4: 6-3-2
The way that 2021 ended for #6 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS made it seem like better things are ahead for her this year. She followed up a smashing Lake Placid win with a terrific runner-up finish in a GI and towers over these rivals. Look for her to control things from the start.
RACE 5: 8-3-5-6
#8 MARTINEZ is strictly the one to beat dropping in class for new trainer Steve Asmussen. This colt likely spent too much time facing MSW competition earlier in his career and is now spotted where he should win. The lack of a quality opponent in here is the deciding factor.
RACE 6: 8-5-1-7
#8 ATHWAAQ is capable of getting loose in the opening stages of this affair and should be a big price at the windows. Her final start of 2021 came against stakes company over this oval and she set the pace before tiring. The main players in here have question marks and this one can take advantage with the pace edge.
RACE 7: 5-7-6-1
#5 DOUBLE MAKER is a second time starter who made a middle move before flattening out last time out. He shortens up a furlong and should settle and make one run in this spot. He should improve with the experience as well.
RACE 8: 10-4-8-7
#10 HILLIARD should get a big pace setup here and figures to be a deserving solid favorite. He was a good 4th when last seen in the Hill Prince in a race largely dominated on the front end. An effort similar to that would make him impossible to beat.
RACE 9: 9-4-7-3
#9 JASMINESQUE is a late runner who goes 3rd off a layoff for trainer Gary Sciacca and returns to her preferred surface. This daughter of Will Take Charge needs things to setup on the front end, but has races that would make her competitive and should be a big price.
RACE 10: 4-3-9-8
#4 PRINCE OF PHAROAHS made a respectable move from well off the pace last time out on a day when making up ground was difficult. He goes 2nd off a layoff here and should be a strong late player in a race with considerably more early speed. The price will be attractive.
