AQUEDUCT – 10/30/22
RACE 1: 6-10-11-1
There are multiple winners on the dam side of #6 BUSTIN HOT’s pedigree and she is training well for her unveiling. Linda Rice is more than capable of having one ready on debut and this gal is by Bustin Stones, a 20% debut sire amongst 2YO runners. She’ll have to deal with a group of relatively unimpressive experienced runners here.
RACE 2: 5-6-4-1
#5 WAR TERMINATOR is now in the care of Rob Atras and had the misfortune of racing wide last time out going long at the Spa. This son of War Dancer is more suited to sprinting and should be a threat from just off the pace today. New arrivals to this stable notoriously improve and there’s still upside here.
RACE 3: 3-2-5-6
After scratches, #3 WHO HOO THAT’S ME is interesting at his likely price. He was a good 3rd last time out despite some trip related issues and should be a force in the stretch drive. His recent training has reportedly been very strong and he’s poinsed to break through on the return to stakes company.
RACE 4: 7-2-4-3
#7 BROOKLYN STRONG just might get the right pace setup here given the abundance of speed signed on in this septet. He has improved steadily for new trainer Victor Barboza, Jr. and once again lures Flavien Prat. His trip two back when beaten in the Evan Shipman was not ideal as he made two moves in a race where the pace held together well.
RACE 5: 1-2-6-7
A significant amount of speed was taken out of this affair with the scratch of #5 JERRY THE NIPPER, but #1 CITY MAN is still clearly the one to beat. He is impervious to bad pace setups given his tactical speed, and the inside post should afford Joel Rosario the opportunity to save ground while stalking the pace.
RACE 6: 6-5-7-4
#6 BANK STING looks like too much for these rivals on paper as she comes back from a respite for John Terranova. He has trained her with some of his barn’s best other runners over the last few months and she has been dominant when sprinting against NY breds in the past. Her tactical speed is a major weapon to boot.
RACE 7: 7-6-5-8
Enough excuses can be made for #7 RECOGNIZE in her two prior dirt tries to give her another look today. She was mired inside in her last dirt start and saving ground was not ideal on that day. She cuts back a bit in distance and is proven at a mile and beyond, which is a strong angle.
RACE 8: 7-4-5-9
#7 MARVELOUS MAUDE was up against it last time out when too far behind in the John Hettinger. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. is going to have to keep her more engaged early so as to not lose contact with the field. If she runs back to her last she has only #4 FINEST WORK to deal with given the way this race should unfold on the track.
RACE 9: 5-4-7-8
#5 ICE PRINCESS is a true router and has run well enough on dirt on multiple occasions to get the nod here. She was a no show last time out on the weeds but fits well in this spot and should get a strong pace to run at late. The favorites on the outside look like they will struggle with the nine panels and that’s where this daughter of Palace Malice becomes an ideal fit.
RACE 10: 3-2-5-1
Distance should be the friend of #3 DONEGAL SURGES, who is bred to relish additional ground. He has a major excuse for his last start when forced to race close to a white hot pace at a sprint distance. His best efforts are going to come when he can settle and make one run, and that’s the likeliest scenario here.
