AQUEDUCT – 4/30/23
RACE 1: 3-2-1-5
#3 MS. SOLVEIG is the one to catch adding blinkers after showing speed at second asking for Philip Antonacci. The competition here is weak, especially after the scratch of #4 PUNKIN.
RACE 2: 11-4-10
A quick return for #11 EIGHT AND SAND should prove a smart move given the depleted field he’ll meet today. He is quick off the mark and should control this race from the outset once again under Kendrick Carmouche.
RACE 3: 13-1-12
#13 GIFTED comes out of a fast MSW race won by Randomized back in late March and should win here with the added ground. She has run well against some tough customers, including newly minted stakes winner Balpool back in February.
RACE 4: 4-1-6-5
When all else offers no appeal, go to a firster like #4 IRISH JACKSON. A son of Union Jackson who went for $82,000 at auction as a 2YO in training, this 4YO filly finally makes her delayed first start. She is training well for a barn that has brought her along slowly.
RACE 5: 9-10-2-11
#9 CELESTIAL MOON bested #10 MAJORITY PARTNER when they met in March and now the latter is going to be half the price of the former. I prefer ‘Moon, who cuts back a tad in distance and has run well on wet tracks in the past. He should be able to stalk and pounce today.
RACE 6: 8-9-1X-6
#8 KNOW IT ALL AUDREY is an unappealing favorite here, but the competition she’s meeting is soft. She should control the pace today and that is likely all she needs to take down this event.
RACE 7: 6-1-7-4
#6 UNIQUE UNIONS is the one to beat off a trainer change to Dave Duggan. This barn is 29% with dirt starters first off of trainer changes over the last five years, good for a $2.78 ROI and this gelding has the tactical speed to be a major threat today. Look for him to stalk #7 FOOLISH GHOST and pounce when ready.
RACE 8: 7-2-3-6
With his main competition scratched, #7 TODAY’S FLAVOR looks like a virtual cinch on paper in this Affirmed Success. He drops in class out of the Grade I Carter, a race where he set a rapid pace and understandably wilted late. The lead is his for the taking here and he’ll be very tough to catch.
RACE 9: 2-3-1-5
#2 MACH ONE goes 2nd off a layoff for trainer Eddie Persaud and should be a threat from just off the pace. His win two back was good enough to contend here and he shouldn’t be ignored based on a failed turf bid last time out.
