AQUEDUCT – 2/9/23
RACE 1: 6-2-5-4
#6 WARRIOR RICHARD was a good second last time out in an improved effort for trainer Rob Falcone, Jr. That was his first start for 20k and he took to the drop in class quite nicely. There’s still upside here and he has an ideal outside post from which he can stalk the pace and pounce.
RACE 2: 3-5-7-6
#3 DEE BO had little to nothing go right last time out and now drops in class for trainer Natalia Lynch second off a claim. He broke slowly last time out then tried to rally on a day where the inside paths were best. This is a far softer field and he can be more involved in the pace with a cleaner break from the gate.
RACE 3: 5-1-3-4
#5 PREPOSTEROUS goes 2nd off a layoff and returns to a dry surface for Linda Rice this afternoon. She was claimed in August for 25k and fits at this level perfectly from a class perspective. She was compromised by a heavily speed biased track last time out in a race that has already yielded a next out score from runner-up Backed by Gold.
RACE 4: 6-1-5-7
#6 ROL AGAIN DANCER set a fast pace along the inside last time out here at the Big A and now returns off a layoff for new trainer Michelle Nevin. He is likely at his best sitting a bit off the pace and can return to that style this afternoon. The price here should be fair and he is far better than his last two races would indicate.
RACE 5: 2-5-1-3
The last outing for #2 RADIO RED was doomed from the start with a poor break from the gate, and he then subsequently tried to rally wide on a track that favored inside runners. There should be some pace in here and he will improve with another race under his belt.
RACE 6: 8-5-2-1
The slow pace last time out hurt #8 CAN’T BEAT ME, who wound up 4th at 7-1 against similar foes. Not all 16k N2L events are created equal, and this is a particularly weak field in comparison to that New Year’s Eve heat. He can improve off that claim and the price here will be appealing.
RACE 7: 4-3-2-1
#4 RISK PROFILE was claimed for 32k two starts back then landed in a particularly tough N1X at a mile. He was stuck behind a moderate pace on a day where the front end runners had a decided advantage in his last start. A fairer strip against this softer field will help him bounce back for the underrated Michelle Giangiulio barn.
RACE 8: 4-7-5-1
#4 SHADOLAMO is cutting back in distance for trainer Eduardo Jones after chasing the pace and weakening last time out. This is a better spot for her given her best races have come sprinting and the weight break makes her a nice fit at a square price.
RACE 9: 2-3-8-6
The human connections of #2 IN MY SHADOW do not inspire a great deal of confidence, but that son of Destin is interesting at a price. He was against the grain of the surface last time out and had a low percentage rider aboard. This is an upgrade at pilot, he has a bullet workout since and the return to a dry surface will help his cause as well.
