AQUEDUCT 10/27/22
RACE 1: 10-1-6-3
#10 GALILEO’S JEWEL has likely made a positive impression in the mornings and that’s why Irad Ortiz, Jr. takes the call. She is a firster by Kingman, who has 8 winners with first time turfers in North America, and is out of a dam who was a 2x winner on grass. The outside post is the only negative given the rails coming down on the outer turf. OFF THE TURF: 6-4-15
RACE 2: 1-6-4-3
The drop in class for #1 SCILLY CAY should be more than enough to put him over the top. He was a respectable third against considerably better last time out at the 25k level and should be in stalk and pounce range today. This is a weaker than par 10k event and that only makes him a likelier winner.
RACE 3: 6-5-8-4
The easiest case to make in here is the one for #6 BRUNATE, who stays at he same class level after a troubled run at the Spa. He’s back off a short layoff and trainer H. James Bond is 7 for his last 21 with dirt sprinters off 90-150 day breaks ($3.33 ROI). The success he’s had previously here at Aqueduct is encouraging.
RACE 4: 6-3-1-5
#6 SELF ISOLATION is the one to catch in here and can use that pace advantage to make it two straight wins. She has run well in each of her last two dirt outings, the latest of which was a wire-to-wire score. While this barn has yet to make a splash since coming back into the mix, this is a horse who is supposed to win on paper.
RACE 5: 3-7-8-5
The strong closing kick of #3 WOOTTON ASSET makes him formidable. He was a fast-closing 3rd last time out in a race that yielded a next out winner in runner-up Decorated Invader. That was this gelding’s first start off a lengthy break and he stands to move forward 2nd off the bench. There should also be enough pace in here to set up his late run.
RACE 6: 4-10-5-8
#4 INSPECTOR received significant support at the windows on debut and wound up finishing fourth with an uncomfortable trip. He should get better this afternoon with a race under his belt, and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen is generally better with more experienced runners. Getting off the inside is another positive.
RACE 7: 1-11-4-3
The ride that #1 NOBLE EMOTION received last time out at Woodbine was less than stellar. Breaking from the rail, he was out of the gate somewhat poorly then his rider tentatively handled him through the first half-mile. He’s a speed horse and needs to be allowed to race forwardly. The pilot today has been aboard for his best efforts and a rebound is in the offing at a nice price.
RACE 8: 5-1-2-3
#5 MIA BEA STAR bids to become the second big price winner for Randi Persaud in three racing days. This mare was wide much of the way last time out on a day when saving ground was helpful. She now shortens up a tad in distance and gets an enormous rider change with Javier Castellano in the irons.
RACE 9: 1-6-7-8
A slight nod to #1 THETHRILLOFVICTORY, who is a third time starter that improved at second asking. He came with a nice move from off the pace in his last start and now figures to improve with more experience. The recent bullet workout is encouraging and he’ll be the best price of the runners from the common event on September 16. OFF THE TURF: 13-11-6-1
