AQUEDUCT – 3/30/23
RACE 1: 3-4-1-5
#3 DUDLEY DICKERSON is dropping in for a tag for the first time off a solid effort when wide against a gold rail. He adds blinkers today, which should keep him more in range early for connections that are not well known around here but are more than capable.
RACE 2: 1-5-4-2
The race #1 LADY SHYLOCK ran last time out would win this thing comfortably and she comes back at the same class level for Robby Falcone, Jr. She has ample early speed which can be used from the inside draw and should be a square price at the windows to boot. The way she stayed on gamely through strong fractions last out indicates the ability to rate from off the pace.
RACE 3: 4-6-2-3
#4 PRINCE JAMES elevated his game to win last time out at this level and now bids to make it two straight against a vulnerable favorite here. He has good tactical speed and stayed close to a hot pace last time out before grinding out that win. If things heat up early, it only stands to help his cause.
RACE 4: 2-3-4-5
#2 REGALITY is the inside speed and that is always a weapon going 9 panels at the Big A. He comes in off a strong effort against similar and is now first off a claim by a razor sharp outfit. The presence of an aggressive rider is encouraging as well, given his best chance to win comes on the front end.
RACE 5: 7-1-3-6
Why not #7 RAFFINITY at a price? She comes in off a race that was better than it looks on paper given that the pace completely fell apart and she was closer than necessary. The stretch back out to a mile and the weight break are good things as she’ll be forwardy placed today.
RACE 6: 2-7-1-5
#2 PIT BOSS is one of the only horses in here coming in off an improved performance. This is in many ways a matchup of horses going the wrong direction, but he improved slightly last out finishing third at 9 panels, albeit against a weaker field. There’s pace in here to set up his late run and he can sit back and let them battle early.
RACE 7: 5-3-6-7
It’s nice to see 2021 Saratoga Special winner #5 HIGH OAK back in NY. He was in a pretty tough spot last out at Gulfstream in a bulky field breaking from the rail in an event eventually won by the 2022 Florida Derby winner. The pace should be in his favor today and he draws outside with a heady pilot astride.
RACE 8: 7-6-2-4
#7 REUNION TOUR was wide every step two back against the grain of the racetrack then got shoved into a pace battle last out before understandably tiring. His 0-26 record is far from encouraging, but he is in the right spot to win today as one of the choices.
