AQUEDUCT – 10/13/22
RACE 1: 2-7-6-8
#2 IN TRAFFIC is capable of wiring this bunch as she returns off a lengthy layoff for Rudy Rodriguez. When last seen this daughter of Cross Traffic ended up a competitive second in an above par 40k maiden claimer and now gets Lasix for the return. Look for “catch me if you can” tactics to be employed.
RACE 2: 7-2-4-1
#7 MY SWEET WIFE returns from a break after getting forced along early in her last outing. She ended up chasing a hot pace before tiring, and did spend the majority of that race along the inside. It came during a period when losing ground on the Saratoga main track was advantageous. This is also a far weaker 25k N3L than that August 4 heat.
RACE 3: 4-7-1/1A-6
With an iffy forecast there’ll be turf and dirt picks here. On the lawn, #4 ENTWINE is a strong play given the class drop and quality of the field she faced last time out. The pace never materialized that day and that hurt her cause, so she is a candidate to rebound on the drop. This is also her 2nd off a brief layoff. OFF THE TURF: 6-9-2-1
RACE 4: 1/1A-5-2-4
The coupled entry of #1 UMBRIA and #1A FOREVER WICKED brings together two dead last closers in a race packed with speed for unheralded connections. Things will have to heat up to give either of them a chance, and the latter is getting a major upgrade at pilot. This is the right kind of race to take a chance with price runners.
RACE 5: 2-1-4-8
On the turf, #2 LISTENTOTHEMUSIC is the one to beat. He ran a bang-up race on debut after chasing the pace following a poor break from the gate. A cleaner beginning should put him on the lead or very close to it, and he still has upside given the strength of his debut. On the dirt, #8 MARTY’S MAGIC is interesting having set a hot pace in a MSW on closing weekend that has since yielded two next out winners. OFF THE TURF: 8-10-13-5
RACE 6: 6-4-8-1
There is no reason to take a big stand against #6 FREUDIAN, who is spotted to win today on a big class drop. She was taken for 30k back in May of this year and is now racing for 16k, which is not the greatest sign. Trainer Peter Walder, however, is also the owner and is likely trying to get a win and have her claimed to get out for the endeavor.
RACE 7: 8-9-7-1
#8 UNKOALAFIED is an interesting play here second time on the dirt after breaking from the rail on the slop last time out. She had no chance in an entirely pace dominated race back on Travers eve and now faces a far weaker field. If #9 TOUGH STREET falters, then any runner in this race has the credentials to win.
RACE 8: 2-5-7-3
While last time was undoubtedly the time, #2 CALL ME HARRY is once again the lone speed if this race stays on the grass. He wired a field of N1X runners after setting pitifully slow fractions on the Saratoga inner turf. The runner-up has since come back to take a turf marathon in Ozone Park and the quality of that field exceeds that of this bunch. OFF THE TURF: 8-10-13-12
RACE 9: 6-7-10-8
On the turf, #6 SWASHBUCKLE is clearly the one to beat. The connections are finally giving up and dropping him in for a tag, which is the proper class level. He has the tactical speed to stay close early and a far more proficient turf rider in the irons this afternoon. OFF THE TURF: 11-8-4-1
