AQUEDUCT – 4/20/23
RACE 1: 4-3-7-2
#4 ICY REPLY gets the nod second off a claim after chasing outside in her first start for Jimmy Ferraro. The competition she met that day was much tougher than what she faces today, and there’s an argument that this pace will set up better for her as well. The price should be fair at the morning line of 6-1.
RACE 2: 1-8-9-4
The opportunity for #1 TRASH TALKER to just blitz this field from the start is real. He is dropping in class second off a claim and is, in many ways, a horse that trainer Rob Atras is moving on from. Nonetheless, he exits a key race where the 2-3 finishers have both come back with big improvement after chasing outside that afternoon. That’s what this son of Competitive Edge did as well.
RACE 3: 5-2-3-6
#5 RUNNINGSONOFAGUN is supposed to be a solid Pick 6 single to get things started as he drops in class. He was originally pointed to the Carter but missed that race because of a fever, so trainer John Toscano is opting for this softer N3X. His best races are much too good for his competition and he just needs to keep #2 MR PHIL in his sights early.
RACE 4: 5-7-2-6
While the favorite can certainly win here, #5 JET CITY WOMAN is a more interesting alternative. She is by respectable turf sire Cloud Computing out of a mare who was a 2x winner on turf. She has produced 2 turf winners from 3 to try it and this gal should have some speed based on her last outing down at Tampa Bay Downs.
RACE 5: 5-2-9-7
#5 MANDATORY enters off a good runner-up effort at this level and should be forwardly placed this afternoon for trainer John Kimmel. He has consistently run speed figures that make him a major player in here, but his lack of willingness to win is the concern. The price should be fair at the morning line of 4-1.
RACE 6: 10-4-5-3
The last effort from #10 RAGTIME BLUES was certainly good enough to be made a clear choice here. He was in proximity of a very hot early pace before weakening late going 6.5 panels. This is the same trip, but the pace figures to be a bit softer. His draw on the outside is perfect, as he can stalk and pounce when ready.
RACE 7: 2-5-3-1
#2 AFTER FIVE goes first off a claim by Patrick Quick, who has 2 wins during the spring meet, and moves back to turf. If you really dig into his two turf races from late last year, you’ll like what you see, including a good runner-up effort on this strip in October where he stalked a white hot pace early. He had real excuses in his next outing and is a candidate to rebound on the surface switch now that he’s back in form.
RACE 8: 6-10-4-3
#6 DAKOTA’S DESTINY is a firster with a bit of pedigree and that’s enough to give him a long look this afternoon. He is out of a stakes placed 5x winner and is kin to 2 winners including Mr. Pete, who banked 380k during a long career. The experienced runners aren’t much, so any first timer or stranger is welcome in this spot.
