AQUEDUCT – 3/19/23
RACE 1: 2-6-7-1
#2 BABY SOX is clearly the one to beat and an overwhelming favorite in the opener for new trainer Linda Rice. She took this one for 40k in January and brings her back for 20k off a break. That is not the greatest scenario, but this field is woeful and either of her first two efforts would be good enough to win.
RACE 2: 7-3-2-1
As tempting as it is to try to beat #7 DRINK THE WIND, that son of More Than Ready looks like too much for these. He is drawn well outside in search of a 2nd win off a claim and out-classes this bunch by a distance. The outside post is ideal in a slow paced race as well.
RACE 3: 4-3-2-6
#4 GRANNYS CONNECTION should cap what might be a single digit $2 Pick 3 on this program. She is a winner of two straight who has clearly improved with Lasix. The lead is hers for the taking and she towers over her competition on paper this afternoon.
RACE 4: 8-4-3-1
#8 BRAVO REGINA is interesting at a price as she drops in class following a wide trip on February 19. She has back races that make her competitive in here, and the slight tick up in speed figure last out is a positive sign. Look for improvement today on the drop.
RACE 5: 5-2-3-4
#5 MAJORITY PARTNER is another likely winner and heavy favorite as he comes back 8 days off a narrow miss at a mile. This son of Unified is likely better suited to sprinting and should be in a good spot stalking the pace from the start. His price will not be terribly high, though, and that is the negative.
RACE 6: 7-3-8-5
#7 ROL AGAIN DANCER ran a bang-up race last time out when 2nd at 5/2 against slightly tougher. He battled it out after surviving a strong early pace and figures to be wound tighter today second off a short layoff. His two local efforts are better than they look on paper and you’re going to get a square price on him today while in light with Jaime Torres astride.
RACE 7: 7-6-3-2
#7 SOUTHERN DISTRICT goes first off a claim by trainer Tom Morley and appears to be a major player. He shortens up off a 9f try here in early February, and Morley has amassed a 24% strike rate with dirt routers first off of claims over the last 5 years ($2.99 ROI). The one mile trip should allow him to settle and make one run today.
RACE 8: 3-5-1-2
Until he’s beaten by NY breds, #3 ANDIAMO A FIRENZE deserves favoritism in these spots. He was no match for better company in the Withers, when he stalked a hot pace before stopping. This distance suits him far better and his 2YO sprint races make him strictly the one to beat.
RACE 8: 5-8-1-10
#5 IRISH HONOR is first off a claim after making two moves along the inside last time out when 3rd against slightly tougher. Trainer Rob Atras’ barn has been on fire of late, and he is 29% with dirt routers at Aqueduct first off of claims ($2.10 ROI). This is the right spot class-wise and the pace in here is suspect.
