AQUEDUCT – 11/19/2023
RACE 1: 6-3-5-1
#6 SHOP LIFTING ran a bang-up race on dirt to begin her career for trainer Tony Dutrow before a failed turf experiment. She’s back on the main track today and should be a threat from just off the pace. If she can show the same speed she did in her debut, when 2nd to eventual division champion Just F Y I, she’ll be tough to handle.
RACE 2: 1-7-3-2
When the experienced runners underwhelm go to a firster like #1 SCORING CHANCE, a daughter of Good Magic who is out of a dam who scored on debut. She is kin to one winner and lures Irad Ortiz, Jr. Trainer Jorge Abreu, despite struggling at this meet, is quite capable of having one ready to go on debut.
RACE 3: 6-5-2-3
There’s no one in here who can beat #6 BENDOOG if he shows up with the types of efforts he’s put forth in Dubai the last couple of years. Trainer Bill Mott takes over and he’s been training well for this engagement. If he can get out of the gate in one piece, he’ll be very tough for anyone in here to beat.
RACE 4: 9-4-5-6
#9 DOMINATION is the runner from the nightcap on October 27 that offers the most appeal. He was out of the gate poorly that afternoon and spotted the leaders significant ground before putting together a respectable late bid to round out the superfecta. We must avoid the Jose Ortiz opening half-mile “sleepwalk” as he cannot let this guy fall so far behind today.
RACE 5: 11-9-2-7
The post draw for #11 BUFFOON was no bargain, but he looks like a colt with real potential after a game win at 2ndasking at Keeneland. He should be in position from just off the pace today and an aggressive ride from Dylan Davis will only help his chances. The price here should be appealing as well.
RACE 6: 2-7-5-4
#8 MEL’S BABY SISTER had little go her way on debut and should be in position to improve this afternoon. She is drawn well on the outside in a race that’s surprisingly full of first time starters. There’s every reason to believe this gal will improve and she will be overlooked given her trainer.
RACE 7: 7-6-8-2
As long as there are no long term issues stemming from the bad mid-September run, #7 FAITH IN HUMANITY is a complete cinch here. She is the lone speed and will be able to take this field on a merry chase over a course that strongly favored frontrunning types over the last couple of days. Her form towers over that of any of her rivals as well.
RACE 8: 4-5-2-1
#4 CUPIDS GIRL is the obvious choice here given her ability to make up ground in a race otherwise loaded with speed. She drops in class today and this is a weaker than par 25k beaten claimer. Her best races have come over this oval and Jose Lezcano, who was aboard for her last win, is back in the irons.
RACE 9: 10-7-2-11
#10 SUPERS LUCKY LADY was quick to the punch in her debut win at 6 panels and now looks like a major pace threat on the stretchout. Whether she can get the lead is unknown given the other pace types to her inside, but she rated so comfortably off a runaway speedster last time that there’s no reason to worry. Look for her to pounce when ready.
