AQUEDUCT – 1/6/2024
RACE 1: 2-1-3-4
#2 BROOKLYN DANTZ has been on the wrong portion of the racetrack in recent starts, including a debut where she was wide on a day with a strong rail. This is an opportunity for her to improve on the cutback with Javier Castellano aboard. The pace should be decent in here thanks to #1 FABULOUS FOX.
RACE 2: 4-3-5-2
#4 FLASHY ALEX is a late running son of Gormley who was too close to the pace last time out in his first start back from a layoff. This is his second start off a break and he is likely to move back to the style that he used most effectively earlier in his career. The barn here has heated up of late and that adds to the appeal.
RACE 3: 1-4-2-5
#1 DRUM ROLL PLEASE was wide much of the way last time out for Brad Cox when 3rd in the Remsen. He has improved with each passing start and should be a strong late threat today as one of the favorites. The stronger the pace gets the better it will work out for this son of Hard Spun.
RACE 4: 3-6-5-1
#3 HERO’S MEDAL goes first off a claim by trainer Linda Rice after rallying to be second last time out against lesser. He has the versatility to stay closer to the pace early if the situation dictates and the company he kept in Kentucky was solid. He should be in stalk and pounce range from the start for these high percentage connections.
RACE 5: 5-2-1-4
#5 SAVAGE SPIRIT switches barns to that of trainer Horacio De Paz and recently posted a bullet workout for his return to the races. He has been ineffective against better throughout his career so far but the class relief is sure to help. If he can show more speed with the addition of the shades, that will help as well.
RACE 6: 5-1-7-4
#5 FLIP’S DREAM is a threat as a second time starter after a debut where he was out of the gate poorly. He should improve with that race behind him, as trainer Bruce Levine was historically at his best with horses that gained more experience. The price should be fair on a horse who got a lot of support on debut.
RACE 7: 7-5-4-3
#7 HIGH OAK drops in class off a try in the Cigar Mile where he showed nothing. He is a late running type who needs some pace help, but his best races are better than those of his competition in this field. The price here is the only negative, as he’s likely to get backed extensively based on the recent running lines.
RACE 8: 2-6-5-4
#2 EVIDENCIAS was a fast-closing second last time out against lesser and now jumps in class while stretching out in distance. She has tons of upside given the South American form and should be able to settle and make one run here. The 3-1 morning line is not terribly appealing, but she is more interesting than any of the other favorites.
RACE 9: 1-4-6-7
#1 MI TRES POR CIENTO is a major player returning to NY from a trip to Pennsylvania where he finished second at 5-1. He is quick enough to get involved early in here and starts for a barn that is always dangerous. If able to sit just off of #4 HEIR PORT then he’ll be a serious threat for top honors.
