AQUEDUCT 3/10/23
RACE 1: 3-4-1-2
#3 SYSTEMIC CHANGE is an overwhelming favorite in the opener based on a good runner-up effort last time out behind a runaway winner. He has posted three speed figures that are largely unmatched in this field and he should have the tactical speed to be close throughout. That’s a major weapon going 9 furlongs on this oval.
RACE 2: 5-2-7-4
#5 EIGHT AND SAND is clearly the one to beat for trainer Michelle Giangiulio off a poor try against much better last time out. He showed big speed last time out and will be well clear if he runs that fast early today. This is the right spot for him class-wise and he is a deserving solid favorite.
RACE 3: 2-5-4-1
In a particularly tough 9 furlong event, #2 CAERUS is a threat coming back quickly off a third place finish here 6 days ago. He was inside much of the way last time out and wound up making up ground when switched outside. There should be some pace here and this son of Curlin is bred wonderfully for 9 furlongs and beyond.
RACE 4: 1-5-8-4
#1 IMPROPER is another likely favorite dropping in for a tag today for John Terranova with strong recent form. He has speed and can use that from the inside in a weak looking field. There’s a very strong chance he gets claimed here and his connections know that, but he belongs at this level.
RACE 5: 3-5-6-2
#3 MAURITIUS goes first off a claim by Tom Morley after showing speed and weakening late last time out. Morley is 4 for his last 10 off the claim in dirt sprints ($4.63 ROI) and Trevor McCarthy is sure to get this one to the lead. If able to get clear, he is a major threat to never look behind.
RACE 6: 8-5-1-7
#8 SARATOGA BEAUTY returns off a layoff following a troubled trip last time out for trainer Jeffrey Englehart. This trainer actually won the race she exits, and she was out of the gate very poorly before racing wide on the course. The rail was the place to be that day, and this mare took the worst of it from start to finish.
RACE 7: 7-3-1-6
#7 BOBBY BO is clearly the one to beat coming back off a layoff. He was last seen finishing 2nd in the Albany back in August 2021 when setting the pace on the rail. The lead is his for the taking and he is fsater than his rivals in this field based on his 3YO form.
RACE 8: 9-4-2-5
Back on short rest, #9 SUPER QUALITY is the one to beat in the nightcap. He was a handy winner here on Sunday and should be loose in the opening stages once again. Trainer Rob Atras is 23% with horses coming back on one weeks’ rest or less ($2.04 RO) and this is a great spot for him off that score.
