AQUEDUCT 4/7/23
RACE 1: 6-1-3-2
#6 CHEEKY TICO was wide much of the way last time out when 3rd at this level for Orlando Noda. He now returns with Manny Franco back aboard and looks to have the right running style for a paceless race. The price will be fair at or around the 2-1 morning line.
RACE 2: 4-1-2-5
The drop in class is a good move for #4 LA VITA SOFIA as is the return to a dry racetrack. She was a good 2nd two starts back behind subsequent stakes winner Shidhabhuti and should get some pace to run at this afternoon. Look for her to be in a good spot down the backstretch.
RACE 3: 4-6-1-3
#4 IN TRAFFIC was wide last time out on a day where inside runners and speed dominated. She goes 2nd off a short layoff today and should be in stalk and pounce range on what will hopefully be a fairer racetrack. The price should be square at 5/2.
RACE 4: 1-4-8-3
#1 ELECTRIC STUFF moves to turf for trainer George Weaver and is bred on the dam side for the weeds. Progeny of Violence hit at a 10% clip in their turf debuts and the dam was a 3x winner on the lawn. The speed this gelding possesses is a weapon moving to a turf sprint in the season’s first grass race.
RACE 5: 1-5-4-3
The race run by #1 BALDIZAR last time out was very strong as he made a rapid 3w move before flattening out in the late stages. The move to 7 panels figures to help his cause and he just might be a bit better on a dry surface. The price will be fair and trainer Jimmy Bond’s barn improved as the winter progressed.
RACE 6: 7-6-1-8
Trainer Chad Brown annually feasts on early season turf races given his success with horses off layoffs like #7 SHUTTERS. That NY bred son of Get Stormy was impressive in three straight wins at Belmont, Aqueduct, and Saratoga last year. He is impervious to negative pace setups, so the lack of early foot in here is not a concern.
RACE 7: 1-6-2-7
#1 PASS THE CHAMPAGNE was a good fourth in the Barbara Fritchie last time out and possesses a class edge on her competition in here. The rail draw is less than ideal, but she has the tactical speed to overcome it and should get a good trip just off the pace.
RACE 8: 5-7-6-1
#5 SCHERZANDO was a fast closing second in his lone turf sprint try last year and likely benefits from getting a start here three weeks ago. The presence of Jason Huayas gets him a useful weight break and there’s enough speed to set the table for his stretch bid.
