AQUEDUCT 09/18/22
RACE 1: 3-1/1A-2-6
#3 SKELLIG was bet down to favoritism on debut and did little to no running before checking in fourth. The reason why you can give him another opportunity here is that he hails from a barn that does considerably better with 2nd timers than firsters (30%, $3.11 2TS, MSW on dirt last 5 years).
RACE 2: 3-5-4-1
The speed of the race is #3 SHAMALAMADINGDONG, who races for a tag for the first time for Christophe Clement. She has faced considerably tougher in two prior dirt tries on fast tracks and is spotted to win and get claimed this afternoon.
RACE 3: 8-1-7-2
#8 VERONICA GREENE is the more talented of the two Chad Brown entrants here given the improvement she showed in her turf debut. She was more tactically positioned that afternoon as well, which is a positive sign. This should be graduation day unless #1 WHISKEY LULLABY sneaks away from them early.
RACE 4: 2-3-4-7
#2 TACO BEAN is now the inside speed with the scratch of the rail runner and gets blinkers off the claim. This is a gelding who has performed well enough at the Big A over the years to be considered a major threat today. If he is able to get loose, he’ll be tough to catch, but can also rate just off the pace.
RACE 5: 8-5-3-7
#8 PEACE CRUISER did everything but win on debut and should improve with that experience. Much like stablemate Padma, who crushed on Saturday afternoon, this filly showed a great deal of ability on debut and should be a more complete racehorse today. Look for her to stalk and pounce from the outside post.
RACE 6: 5-6-8-1
As much as you want to play against chalk, #5 FORBIDDEN SECRET looks like too much for them here. He improved at second asking and is the main speed today amongst the experienced runners. The biggest concern would be the firsters, and none of them look to pack a major wallop.
RACE 7: 7-1-2-3
There’s an argument to be made that #7 JASMINESQUE has been spotted too ambitiously of late either distance or class wise. She’s back where she belongs in a sprint race with some phony speed that can set the table. That’s enough to give her the nod at what should be an attractive price.
RACE 8: 5-4-3-7
The two efforts at 3 from #5 WHITTINGTON PARK show development, including a wide trip third last time out at the Spa. He is a threat from just off the pace this afternoon as the logical alternative to the race favorite #4 DR. BLUTE. This colt can ensure that one doesn’t get too far away as well.
RACE 9: 4-1-12-5
The scratch of the runner just to the inside of #4 FAITH IN HUMANITY makes that French-bred strictly the one to beat today. She had the worst of it last time out tracking a hot pace before reaching the front and getting overhauled late. The lead is hers for the taking today and she is clearly a filly with a great deal of talent.
RACE 10: 6-7-4-1
#6 THE LAST ZIP ran well last time out rallying into a pitifully slow pace to round out the superfecta. The heady Flavien Prat is getting aboard in a largely paceless race, so there’s reason to believe this son of City Zip can be more forwardly placed. That would greatly help his cause.
