AQUEDUCT – 1/7/2024
RACE 1: 5-3-1-2
#5 NEXT ON STAGE is the one to beat as she moves to the barn of Horacio De Paz after 5 starts in South Florida. She gets Lasix for her return off a layoff and has enough speed to be involved throughout under apprentice Luis Rivera, Jr.
RACE 2: 4-1-5-6
#4 AFILADA is likely to be a heavy favorite for trainer Charlie Baker second off a claim after rallying to be third last time out. She is a late player here with a great deal of back class and the competition she meets today is weak. The likelihood there’s enough pace in here is high enough to give her the nod.
RACE 3: 1-4-3-7
#1 DARN THAT SONG is the one to catch here in race where the heavy favorite is a dead last closer who is taking a suspicious class drop. This Rachel Sells trainee has the tactical speed to stay within range from the start and will be a good price to boot. Jockey Lane LUzzi has quietly had a good run at the early portion of this winter stand.
RACE 4: 3-1-2-6
#3 UPTOMYKNEESINIT is the potential upsetter in this field. He had a tough trip on debut when 5th against similar foes. This is a good spot for him to make the second start given the heavy favorite is a firster from the rail. The blinkers going on should only help this gelding and he’ll be no worse than the 4th choice.
RACE 5: 5-1A-6-2
The pace edge here belongs to #5 BON ADIEU, who wired a field of starter allowance runners last time out. She is the one to catch again and trainer Rudy Rodriguez has had a good run this winter so far. The weight break only helps this daughter of Ghostzapper who has improved since being claimed.
RACE 6: 8-7-4-1
#8 WAR STRIDE is faster than most of his rivals early in here and has run a couple of recent races that would make him tough to beat. The weight break he gets here helps, and it’s played out that he’s at his best when he gets involved in the pace. Should he be able to do so, he’ll be a tough customer.
RACE 7: 1A-7-2-6
It is impossible to predict when David Jacobson trainees are going to run well but #1 SAFFA’S DAY is supposed to win here. His most recent outing, a strong 3rd place finish behind the likes of Scocciatore and High Oak, was easily good enough to win today. He should be involved in the pace from the start as well.
RACE 8: 5-6-1-3
#5 OLYMPIC DREAMS was a game winner last time out at 5-1 and will now be a fraction of that price. He has the tactical speed to stay within range from the outset and seems to be at his best at 9 furlongs or more. Class-wise, this might actually be a softer bunch than the one he met last time out, even with the class jump.
RACE 9: 9-6-2-7
#9 PRACTICAL MISS goes third off a layoff for trainer Dave Duggan and this filly showed good speed last time out. The blinkers are coming off, which should help her relax more early on the cutback in distance. She is a threat based on the November 10 outing and the switch to Kendrick Carmouche only helps.
