AQUEDUCT – 02/02/23
RACE 1: 1A-2-3
#1A RESERVE CURRENCY is the more fancied half of the pairing here that goes out for Chad Brown. This one was competitive with MSW company at Churchill Downs and those ranks are often much deeper than comparable races in NY. He improved in Kentucky and should be set for a breakthrough effort here.
RACE 2: 4-1-5-3
There’s at least a reasonable chance that #4 STAR ATTITUDE is better than these horses as he drops to the 20k level for Carlos Martin. He gets in light once again after chasing the pace and tiring on a wet strip last time out. He has faced better throughout his career and looms a major player today at this level.
RACE 3: 6-5-4-2
#6 REED KAN is strictly the one to catch today for trainer Mertkan Kantarmaci, who is legging up his countryman once again. This veteran ridgling is getting key class relief going to the 16k level and has a massive pace advantage on paper. Look for him to try to get control from the outset.
RACE 4: 2-1A-4-5
#2 MAD MAGIC has at least a reasonable shot to beat this over bet entry. He ran an improved race last time out back on dirt and has a pace edge while in light with the bug boy astride. He showed speed last out before fading and re-rallying behind a runaway winner. This is a good fit for him going the mile, especially if he can establish early command.
RACE 5: 1-5-3-7
The last effort from #1 JUST A NYQUIST was solid by any account, including if you believe the inside paths were best on January 22. He was wide the whole way and stayed on gamely to the finish. His connections are clearly looking for a win as they drop him in class second off the claim and that makes him a standout in a weak field.
RACE 6: 7-2-6-4
#7 DRINK THE WIND ran much better last time out than it looks on paper. He made an early, wide move into the pace before getting outfinished late and now moves up in class off the claim. That’s a clear sign of confidence from trainer Linda Rice, whose recent first off the claim numbers have jumped in a significant way.
RACE 7: 2-4-1-6
Given his two bad runs in recent graded stakes tries, there’s reason to believe #2 UNBRIDLED BOMBER needs Lasix. He gets it back today on the drop and returns to the distance at which he was victorious in late September. Getting more involved early, as he was two starts back, will definitely help his win chances.
RACE 8: 3-8-1-7
#3 MAGGIE T was third in her first try against winners and she was undoubtedly hurt that day by dropping over to a dead rail on the turn. She gets a major upgrade at pilot here while also getting Lasix and should be in position just off the pace. This is the value play in a race where the favorites have knocks.
