AQUEDUCT – 1/13/22
RACE 1: 6-4-3-5
There’s reason enough to try to beat #4 FROMANOTHAMUTHA and #6 KEEPING THE EDGE looks like an interesting alternative. That son of Super Saver, whose progeny hit on debut at a 9% clip has a vast worktab and is kin to 2YO Grade I winner Competitive Edge.
RACE 2: 1-3-6
#1 SHALIMAR GARDENS is taking an enormous drop in class after consecutive tries against graded stakes foes. She was fourth in each of those and sports a huge edge in speed figures against this group. She should live up to her 1-5 morning line favoritism.
RACE 3: 3-1-2B-7
#3 ANNIKA GOLD drops slightly in class and is in improving form of late for a small-time barn. She should get some pace to run at in here and the mile is her best trip. The pace will be modest early in here and will give this mare an opportunity to stalk and pounce.
RACE 4: 8-5-4-3
#8 OUR JESSICA debuted against similar foes and received a less than vigorous ride en route to a 5th place finish. She now gets Lasix for a barn that generally does better with experienced runners. The outside post is a plus and this field lacks depth from top to bottom.
RACE 5: 7-3-1-5
#7 CUPIDS GIRL is a second time starter who ran into trouble on debut for trainer Jimmy Ryerson. She gets Lasix for the first time today at 2nd asking and a cleaner break from the gate will help her cause. The winner of her debut looks destined to be a graded stake type.
RACE 6: 7-2-1A-6
#7 BASTET has the perfect post position for her running style and will benefit from a serious class drop in this spot. She has been at her best over this oval and faced much tougher competition when last seen last month. Look for her to be prominent throughout.
RACE 7: 1-3-8-7
The last time #1 FINGAL raced on dirt he endured a 4-5 wide trip on a day where the inside was the place to be. He now switches surfaces for trainer Rudy Rodriguez and figures to get a strong pace to run at late. He’ll offer real value at the morning line price of 4-1.
RACE 8: 2-4-3
As appealing as it is to find an alternative, #2 GREEN LIGHT GO is so clearly the one to beat here. He stretches out to a mile, which has not been an issue in the past, and should be the controlling speed. If he takes any step forward off his last, his first for Jimmy Jerkens in a year and a half, he’ll be impossible to beat.
RACE 9: 10-5-3-9
#10 DR. LEVY is the one to beat taking an enormous class drop for Todd Pletcher. He showed ability on debut against MSW foes back in November then faltered when stuck on a dead rail last time out. He’s now a new gelding and gets Lasix in what should be a facile victory.
WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 76-17-16-10 $112.20
