AQUEDUCT – 1/19/23
RACE 1: 7-2-4-6
#7 CAIRO SUGAR goes 3rd off a layoff for trainer Alan Bedard after checking in a good second last time out over this oval. The addition of Lasix will only help her chances, and she looks to be a strong pace player this afternoon. With any improvement, she will be very tough to handle this afternoon.
RACE 2: 3-4-5-2
#3 BUSTIN BAY was a good second last time out in her 2nd straight improved effort. Trainer Antonio Arriaga clearly had this mare ready to roll when she won a N2X at Saratoga and it’s been a question of when she can run back to that effort. She looks to be rounding back into form and the heavy morning line favorite is vulnerable.
RACE 3: 4-6-8-3
As intriguing as it is to go against #4 NORGAY, he is clearly the horse to beat here on the drop in class. The pace edge is notable as well, given that he can set the early tempo or stalk it from the outset. While you’ll have to swallow a short price, this is the likeliest winner in the early Pick 5 sequence.
RACE 4: 7-2-8-4
#7 PLEASE BABY gets some class relief for trainer Rudy Rodriguez after a try against 75k sellers when he was stuck behind a very slow pace. He has no speed, and that’s the biggest issue here, but this is probably a more appropriate class level and he is getting Lasix today. There’s a decent amount of speed signed up to help his late bid.
RACE 5: 8-2-5-7
The cutback in distance signals intent for #8 MASKED MARAUDER as Rudy Rodriguez shortens him up off a try against better at Parx. Rodriguez is 20% with claimers on dirt cutting back in distance over the last 5 years ($2.24 ROI). There’s also enough pace in here to set up that late bid.
RACE 6: 3-5-6-8
#3 CAERUS is now in the care of Randi Persaud, who has had a pretty incredible run in NY over the last 5 months. This barn is 25% over the last 5 months, good for a $4.45 ROI and this son of Curlin comes in with improving form. He is a late runner who’ll need some pace help, but he should get it and he’ll offer value at the windows.
RACE 7: 8-2-6-3
#8 SAINT TAPIT gets a key cutback in distance and will get Lasix today for Todd Pletcher. He flopped last time out in the Discovery, likely because of a combination of the wet track and lack of Lasix. The first two races of his career were his best, and that had to have something to do with the distance.
RACE 8: 6-4-3-7
#6 CALLALOO is clearly the one to beat in the nightcap. Returning on short rest for connections that have heated up in 2023, this son of Trinniberg made a strong final bid last time out to narrowly miss and now stretches out in distance. He figures to be prominent throughout.
