AQUEDUCT – 2/17/23
RACE 1: 2-3-6-1
#2 SOUNDS SPOOKY is the one to beat on the class drop adding lasix today for Todd Pletcher. This gelding has shown little in four prior tries, but they’ve all come against better and this is a good fit for him.
RACE 2: 1/1A-3-4-2
#1 INDIAN BELLA moves up in class off a claim for trainer Jeff Englehart and has run well at comparable levels in the past. Englehart is 31% 1st off the claim on dirt at the Big A over the last 5 years ($2.00 ROI) and the expected sluggish pace works in this mare’s favor.
RACE 3: 3-5-7-8
#3 SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS is a first time starter with a big pedigree for top notch connections. Trainer Chad Brown starts this son of Medaglia d’Oro, who is kin to 2017 BC F&M Sprint winner Bar of Gold. The worktab is solid and this barn is good with debuting runners at the Big A (24% over last 5 years).
RACE 4: 2-6-1-5
The rider change to Manny Franco for #2 DOCTOR LOVE is huge given the trouble he’s had in his last two starts. While he never encountered traffic, he was inside last time out on a day where the rail was bad, and two back he moved early and aggressively into a white hot pace. This is a drop in class and the one mile trip likely suits him better.
RACE 5: 7-8-6-1
#7 FABULOUSLY FUNNY had a heap of trouble last time out on debut and figures to improve at second asking. She was in contention for top honors coming off the turn in that unveiling before coming up empty, and a cleaner break is going to help her cause here. With routine improvement she should be tough to handle.
RACE 6: 2-8-7-5
The pace should setup well for #2 DURKIN’S CALL, who comes out of an open company heat. Two back he was a non-factor going a mile on the slop, and this distance will suit him better. The negative here is that he is not fond of wet tracks and there’s a forecast for rain.
RACE 7: 7-9-3-5
There was enough trouble for #7 MIDTOWN LIGHTS last time out to give her another shot here. She was facing stakes company that day and now gets lasix for the first time off the bench. She improved on dirt and should get a wet surface again today.
RACE 8: 1-12-8-3
#1 FULIGNI has improved with each passing start and set a fast pace last time out before weakening in the late stages. She is the one to catch from the inside today and is capable of wiring this bunch if she gets loose. There’s little to sink your teeth into here, so why not settle for an improving type?
