AQUEDUCT – 11/2
RACE 1: 6-2-1-4
Yikes! What a start to the Aqueduct meet with #6 DRINKING SOLO getting the nod as he drops in for a tag for Robby Falcone, Jr. The blinkers go on as well presumably to sharpen him up early given he has not had an iota of early speed in two prior tries. Sometimes the best thing you can do is plunge down the class ladder…
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RACE 2: 1-6-3-2
In what really amounts to a 2 horse race, #1 BLUE PLATE SPECIAL is the more intriguing runner. He has improved considerably since being claimed by Linda Rice and rallied nicely last time out into a very slow pace. He should get a bit more tempo to run at today at the 7 furlong trip.
RACE 3: 4-5-8-3
#4 CHARGING did everything but win last time out first off the claim by Tom Morley. He made the lead and held sway to deep stretch before being outfinished by King James in a heartbreaking defeat. The lead is his for the taking again and he should be tough to handle if able to get to the front.
RACE 4: 1-8-5-6
#1 KUPP is the horse to beat breaking from the rail on a slight class drop for Michelle Nevin. This one was competitive for 50k last time out in a race won by repeat winner Thunderian and this is a substantial drop to the 40k level for straight 3YOs. He has enough speed to protect the inside in a race largely short on early foot.
RACE 5: 5-4-11-1-7
#5 NO LAYUPS is a first timer by Preservationist with a great deal of turf pedigree. While this freshman stallion doesn’t have a turf debut winner yet, the dam side is loaded with grass including the dam herself. She scored 3x on the lawn and dropped a couple of grass winners which is more than enough to make you land here.
RACE 6: 8-4-6-2
It is hard to find fault with #8 FRISKY JIM, who ran a good race debuting for 40k and now re-surfaces for 20k. It is clear that Wesley Ward is looking to move on from him, but he’s caught a pretty weak bunch for the level and should be able to get clear in the opening stages. If he does, then they’ll be hard pressed to run him down.
RACE 7: 6-11-4-10
#6 INTERNAL CAPITAL is in for a tag for the first time and losing the blinkers for Chad Brown in search of his 2ndcareer win. Brown is a staggering 30% with turf routers getting blinkers taken off, good for a $2.89 ROI. This son of Tapit has not lived up to expectations but is spotted where he can win today.
RACE 8: 7-8-10-2
#7 BOURBON CALLING is in a prime spot to break through for Rob Atras, whose barn has been back to normal lately. This son of Dialed In was a competitive 4th in a race dominated on the front end last time out. He made the only meaningful run from off the pace and improved off the claim by Atras. This barn is 34% over the last 5 years 2ndoff the claim in claiming races on dirt ($2.25 ROI).
RACE 9: 7-1-5-12
Owner Peter Brant undoubtedly wants to see Demarchelier progeny do well and #7 GRAND STREET can bid to become his 4th debut winner in his first crop. This filly is out of a dam who won on turf and is the right runner to take in here given the underwhelming prior performances from the experienced turfers.
