AQUEDUCT – 9/16/22
RACE 1: 6-4-3-2
#6 QUICK HAMMER is a first timer by Mor Spirit, a freshman sire who won the Met Mile in 2017. Progeny of this sire hit at a 17% clip and this colt is a half to GI winner Kalypso. He is drawn favorably on the outside and will be one of the choices.
RACE 2: 5-6-2-3
#5 DREAM WORKS goes 2nd off a layoff for Chad Brown after going a mile last time out. This son of Wootton Bassett is likely going to be better going long given the overseas form, and he was hurt last time out by both a poor break and a race shape that was against closers.
RACE 3: 3-7-5-1
#3 WICKED LADY is first off a claim by George Weaver after breaking her maiden at 5th asking last time out. This is a filly who can improve off of this claim and she figures to be sitting just off the pace in the opening stages. The price here should be fair given the presence of #7 KNOW IT ALL AUDREY.
RACE 4: 1-4-6-2
One more chance for #1 SIXTH STREET after a subpar effort last time out when she chased the pace and came up wanting late. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. takes over in the irons and he is likely to take her back and make one run today. That is going to get the best out of her given her two prior US outings.
RACE 5: 8-2-1-10
#8 PROVISION has been 2nd in two prior starts and arguably was best last time out. The pace in that race was strong and came apart late. He adds blinkers with the same aggressive pilot aboard, so there’s reason to believe he’ll be on the lead.
RACE 6: 2-5-4-3
#2 DEALING JUSTICE goes 2nd off a layoff after racing on a dead rail last time out. She tired late behind subsequent Ballerina winner Goodnight Olive and the runner-up from that affair also came back to win. This filly is the one to catch from a cozy inside post and is the horse to bet in here.
RACE 7: 3-4-7-9
#3 DUST DEVIL goes first off a claim by Orlando Noda off an improved effort last time out going 9 panels. He has always had tactical speed, but the fact he was a tad quicker last time out is encouraging. Look for him to stalk and pounce today.
RACE 8: 5-2-3-9
In all likelihood #5 SOCIAL WHIRL has faced better horses in her last two starts. She returns off a break this afternoon and has the versatility to be on the lead or sit just off of the early running. Javier Castellano and Tom Morley have been a tremendous combo in NY over the last few months.
RACE 9: 2-6-7-1
#2 MATTY’S MARAUDER was hurt by a slow pace last time out but still made a run to finish third at 6-1. He now goes 2nd off a short break and should get a decent pace to run at late this afternoon. You’ll get a nice price here as well.
