AQUEDUCT – 3/3/23
RACE 1: 6-5-1-4
#6 INCANTATION drops in class for trainer H. James Bond, whose barn is having an uncharacteristically quiet winter. This son of Frank Conversation draws well outside and is in light. He should get a pace stalking trip today against far lesser than what he’s previously faced.
RACE 2: 6-5-1/1A-3
#6 CHEEKY TICO was a good second last time out behind a runaway wire-to-wire winner. The main track played to frontrunning types that day, and specifically to those who saved ground as well. This is a good spot for him to stalk and pounce third off the bench for connections that are also overdue to get rolling.
RACE 3: 4-2-5-6
There’s no doubt that #4 OPPORTUNITY SET was wildly disappointing in his last start. He had run so well on debut when well backed at the windows, but all speed figures seem to indicate this son of Classic Empire ran as well at 2ndasking as he did on debut. Nonetheless, he is a major threat here as one o fthe favorites.
RACE 4: 4-5-6-1
It took months but #4 BUSTIN BAY finally ran back to her impressive Saratoga victory. She did so in a recent score against 25k claimers and now moves up for new conditioner Charlie Baker. This barn has good numbers from a limited sample of dirt starters first off of claims and exiting wins. She is a pace threat as well.
RACE 5: 6-1/1A-5-3
#6 AERON WARRIOR had nothing go right last time out after a poor break and early trouble. She now drops back into the maiden ranks in search of a first victory and this should be a far more reasonable class level. Look for her to stalk the pace from the start, just as she did on debut.
RACE 6: 3-4-1-7
#3 HOWZYOURCASHFLOW just looks too good for these off a debut where she posted fast speed figures and walloped her competition. She clearly has tactical speed and that’s a massive weapon over a surface that occasionally rewards frontrunning types when wet. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez is a very strong 22% with 2nd timers off maiden wins on dirt ($2.08 ROI).
RACE 7: 4-5-7-8
#4 KHALI MAGIC figures to get the best of it pace-wise in here with a great deal of speed signed up. This Chris Englehart trainee does her best work late and should be a square price at the windows if her morning line gives any indication. Look for her to make noise late in here.
RACE 8: 10-9-4-2
You have to throw a few bucks on #10 DEE BO, who had a tough trip last time out on a day where you wanted to save ground. He went just wide enough to be given a second look here in a solid 16k event. The outside post is beneficial as well, and his affinity for wet surfaces doesn’t hurt.