AQUEDUCT ANALYSIS – 02/07/2025
RACE 1: 4-1-3-5
#4 CUPRITE took a major step back off a positive debut for David Donk, of course with a 15 month break in between those two outings. She should be a major player from the start today as the main speed on paper and this is a far weaker group than the one she faced last time. That should help her make an impact from the outset.
RACE 2: 1-3-5-4
It’ll be tough to beat #1 MASMAK in this spot given how well he ran last time out against tougher. The distance is the only real question mark given he’s been going one turn of late. The way he’s looked visually gives you no pause, as he’s finished with aplomb in all four outings for Rick Dutrow, Jr.
RACE 3: 3-4-7-2
#3 WILLFUL DESIRE is a winner of two straight since moving into the high percentage barn of Linda Rice. She should be in a good spot just off the pace given the early scenario in this event and will be a fair price. This race is competitive and that will lead to some value being had if you like this daughter of Friesan Fire.
RACE 4: 4-5-1-3
#4 RIDE UP made a big forward move on the Thorograph sheets last time out and should be a major player here with his early speed. Sahin Civaci gets aboard and he continues to move up every mount he has at the Big A. The pace in here should work his favor as there aren’t a bunch of rivals who’ll show speed.
RACE 5: 5-6-7-2
#5 VENGE is the one to catch this afternoon after basically wiring the field last time out. He gets in light with the bug boy on again and should be a fair price given the competition he meets today. The way he’s kept on improving lately shows he’s thriving in this barn after getting claimed almost 9 months ago.
RACE 6: 2-5-4-6
#2 MY VANILLA is the main speed with Jose Lezcano back on board. This filly set a brutal pace last time out and understandably tired late. She is quick enough to get loose in this field, as her Laurel effort from September was fast enough speed-figure wise to make this gal one of the choices.
RACE 7: 5-2-1-6
#5 COLLOQUIAL ran in a much ballyhooed maiden event at Aqueduct back in June and now returns from a break. He was narrowly bested by subsequent turf graded stake winner Mentee after making a bold late move. He should improve with a race behind him, and more distance should only help his cause.
RACE 8: 2-9-7-1
#2 ESTHER’S SALAD is interesting given how much speed she’s shown in her last two. This low percentage barn is also adding Lasix to the daughter of The Factor, who should be actively involved in the pace again. Shortening up to 7 panels will be no issue given her early foot, as she’ll be in a forward spot anyway.
