AQUEDUCT – 1/13/23
RACE 1: 1-4-6-5
The favorite should be tough to beat in the first given the dirt debut for #1 CANDLESTICK MAKER. She surged late to narrowly miss against similar foes here in late November, and the majority of that run came on the inside. If she can get outside early enough to produce a late bid this should be graduation day.
RACE 2: 1-3-2-5
#1 DANCING SOPHIA is dropping in class 3rd off a maiden win earned here in powerful fashion. She was much too close to the pace last time out and that wrecked her chances given her comfort zone is to sit back and make one run. This is a good spot class-wise and there’s enough pace in here to set up her late bid.
RACE 3: 6-2-3-5
#6 HONESTANDY makes the biggest class drop in racing after debuting against MSW runners here in October. He was no factor that day and immediately drops to the bottom claiming price-wise, but this barn is trustworthy in this scenario. Getting off the rail for the second start will help his chances without question.
RACE 4: 5-3-1-4
There should be enough pace to setup the late bid of #5 GAGLIANO, who is dropping in class off a 3rd place finish last time out. The field this gal met that afternoon was considerably tougher than what she does here, and her effort two back sticks out from a speed figure perspective. The distance-challenged speedsters in here should nicely set the table for her late bid.
RACE 5: 5-7-4-1
Trainer Brad Cox has excellent numbers in basically every category, including with runners getting Lasix, just like #5 CALY BALI. She debuted against MSW company and showed some early foot before fading late. This is a good spot for her second out, and Cox does well with runners off of mid-range freshenings.
RACE 6: 6-5-7-3
It’s not often that the connections of #6 SHADOLAMO have a solid favorite, but this mare should be close to it. She enters of a strong runner-up effort here at the Big A and now cuts back in distance. There is some speed signed up here and it will help her chances in the closing stages.
RACE 7: 5-6-4-1
If pace makes the race then #5 STORIED FELLA could prove tough to catch. He returns to NY after two starts in Maryland, the latest of which came when wide and off the pace. The weight break today will help him get to the lead, as will the addition of blinkers, and he’s a major threat to go the distance.
RACE 8: 8-9-7-1/1A
The return to dirt for #8 KING ANGELO went about as well as could be expected as he sat just off the pace and finished with interest despite a slow early tempo. He’s now the horse to beat staying at this class level and should offer value at the morning line price of 3-1.
