AQUEDUCT – 1/6/2024
RACE 1: 3-1-2-4
#3 MEMPHIS goes first off a claim by Wayne Potts today and moves up in class, which is a clear sign of confidence. This son of Gun Runner was third last out in a race where he moved twice as the 2-1 favorite. This is a winnable spot even with the class jump but you’ll likely have to take a modest price.
RACE 2: 4-3-5-2
#4 WARTAPPED is the one to catch for trainer Eddie DeLauro as she moves back in to face females. She got involved in a white hot pace two back before weakening late and now loses the shades in her 2024 debut. The pace in here figures to be moderate, which should work to her advantage as well.
RACE 3: 5-6-4-8
#5 JACKIE THE JOKER cuts back in distance on a class drop for Juan Bernardini, who took this daughter of Practical Joke for 16k in November. She is likely going to be most effective sprinting and this is the right class level. Her past success over this strip is encouraging as well in this competitive affair.
RACE 4: 8-1-2-6
#8 ROJA LIGERA is drawn well on the outside and has gradually improved of late for low percentage connections. When low level claimers are trending upward you have to take note and this filly is dropping a notch in class again as well. She was too close to the pace last out when 4th at 0-1 and now gets a dry surface again for the first time since November.
RACE 5: 5-10-9-3
The majority of this field is made up of horses who have faced each other recently, save #5 AULA, who won an open company race last time out and faces NY breds for the first time since he broke his maiden in November. This is a reasonable class jump off that mid-December score and he has the tactical speed to be within range from the start today.
RACE 6: 2-8-5-7
#2 NYXED is the one to beat here off a narrow miss in her return to the main track. She showed increased speed last out laying close to the pace and should be in prime position from the start again here. Trainer Linda Rice is off to a somewhat sluggish start since racing returned from the holiday break but is unlikely to last.
RACE 7: 8-7-2-5
#8 ROYAL POPPY is the one to beat coming in off a strong runner-up effort behind Rachel’s Rock on November 24. She has been in good form for some time and will be a decent enough price given the competitive nature of this field. The outside draw is ideal to stalk the pace and pounce when ready.
RACE 8: 12-11-14-13
#12 NEEDED dropped down to the rail when fighting to the wire last time out and came up just short. She is now the one to beat against a far weaker field today with a cozy outside draw. The addition of Lasix today is notable, as is the fact this filly’s prior form is better than that of her competition.
