AQUEDUCT – 4/3/2021
RACE 1: 4-5-6
#4 BASTET has raced against the grain of the track in two straight starts and now gets an enormous jockey change. She towers over her rivals on paper and should graduate here with anything similar to what she’s put forth of late.
RACE 2: 2-3-5
Though the expected race flow may not be in her favor, #2 EMPRESS LUCIANA is in good form and has speed figures that make her strictly the one to beat. She was wide most recently on a day when being inside was ideal and this is a particularly weak event, even for this level.
RACE 3: 2-5-1
#2 ONE WHIRLWIND RIDE did everything but win last time out as she sat just off the pace, reached the front in upper stretch then was collared late. He was wide much of the way and the rail was best on March 13, so there’s reason to upgrade his performance.
RACE 4: 3-5-4
#3 DRAIN THE CLOCK is strictly the one to beat off a series of strong races in South Florida. His trainer has had limited success from a decent number of opportunities in NY, but the recent form he holds and his running style make him a deserving strong favorite.
RACE 5: 3-4-7
#3 MIND OF GOLD faces NY breds for the first time since her maiden win back in September. She exits a solid effort where she stalked the pace the whole way and she should be in an ideal stalking spot throughout.
RACE 6: 4-3-5
#4 MISCHIEVOUS ALEX looks to earn Grade I glory in his return to Aqueduct. He was victorious in the Gotham when last seen around these parts and he looks to be an even better 4YO based on his two recent Gulfstream efforts. He should get a great trip stalking #5 CHATEAU and is a very likely winner.
RACE 7: 5-7-2
#5 FLIGHTY LADY is an interesting import for Chad Brown given that she is Group I placed from 6 efforts overseas. Brown is 25% with turf routers making their first starts in North America, but the ROI is paltry and you’ll get no value here. Don’t underestimate #7 APURATE, who just may have a sizable pace edge here.
RACE 8: 5-8-4
While no fan of #5 MODERNIST, you have to take a swing against #8 MR. BUFF, who has had great difficulty in graded stake races. The latter is the one to catch and will be dangerous if he gets an easy lead, but Modernist’s comeback was encouraging and he showed talent as an early season 3YO.
RACE 9: 8-5-1
#8 SEARCH RESULTS is an overwhelming favorite based on her recent score in the Busher. She should be forwardly placed today and there’s little to no early speed in this octet. Look for Irad Ortiz, Jr. to get her a forward position from the start.
RACE 10: 4-2-1
#4 RISK TAKING asserted himself in a big win in the Withers and now returns off a break. He figures to get a solid pace to run at late and has a great deal of upside. His stablemate #2 CROWDED TRADE is dangerous as well as he goes two turns following a vastly improved effort in the Gotham.
RACE 11: 7-8-1
#7 VOLIERO returns off a lengthy layoff for H. James Bond and has faced considerably better in 5 prior turf starts. This is the right class level and you can count on him being a major player at a short price.
AQUEDUCT STATS: 254-65-44-31 $393.80
