AQUEDUCT – 12/9/2022
RACE 1: 4-1-5-6
#4 IMPROPER is the one to beat coming back off a layoff for John Terranova after running well in three prior dirt tries against better. This barn is a staggering 34% with dirt starters off 180+ day breaks ($3.24 ROI) over the last five years.
RACE 2: 5-4-6-3
#6 THAT IS KEY comes in off a smashing win against similar foes and bids to make it two straight. Trainer Jeffrey Englehart is 22% with claimers on dirt at Aqueduct exiting wins ($2.52 ROI) and this mare has the right running style in a race where the favorite is distance challenged
RACE 3: 4-1-5-6
#4 BUNTY WINDERMERE is supposed to wire this field for trainer Derek Ryan. She faced considerably tougher last time out and set a hot pace before weakening. Being on the inside that day was a disadvantage as well, and this gal is now in an ideal position as the pacesetter.
RACE 4: 3-2-5-6
The enormous class drop for #3 JOHN’S PROTÉGÉ is too much to overlook. He has faced considerably better in his brief career and is now spotted to win off a layoff for Wesley Ward. He has speed and that’ll help him stay in the mix early.
RACE 5: 6-9-4-3
Scratches really changed the complexion of this race, but #6 RIA’S ANGEL looks reliable on the drop after being claimed for 25k. This is a softer spot and there’s still enough speed signed on to set up his late bid for a red-hot barn.
RACE 6: 6-4-2-5
There’s little point in taking on #6 COMPLETE AGENDA, who is the one to beat on a major class drop for Todd Pletcher. This son of Curlin is in for a tag for the first time and returns to the site of his lone prior win. These horses are a far cry from what he’s been facing.
RACE 7: 7-4-2-5
#7 PHAROAH’S HEART is interesting first time for Michelle Nevin off a lengthy layoff. This barn does well with fresh horses and this mare has knocked heads with stakes horses throughout her career. She is a good fit here from just off the pace too with a decent early tempo expected.
RACE 8: 7-5-4-2
#7 MARKET ALERT goes first off a claim by Rob Atras and has been a classy and consistent NY bred. He was taken for 62.5k and fits well here for a barn that is 33% with dirt sprinters at the Big A ($2.09 ROI). This gelding is versatile enough to be anywhere early and should get a solid pace setup.
RACE 9: 8-10-1/1A-9
#8 FORTY TWO ACE is clearly the one to beat given his strong recent form and the likelihood he’ll get the lead in here. Trainer Charlie Baker continues to be one of the most underrated on this circuit and this gelding has found a softer N1X field here than he has faced in recent outings.
