AQUEDUCT – 4/27/23
RACE 1: 3-4-1-5
#3 SANURA gets her first NY turf opportunity and returns to the site of many strong performances by her dam, Nehantic Kat. She has shown versatility in recent outings in Florida and her early speed is a weapon in this field.
RACE 2: 2-5-6-1
#2 AFILADA takes an enormous drop in class and cuts back in distance for Linda Rice. This seems like the proper class level and distance for this daughter of Keen Ice, who has been competitive in three starts since joining the “Rice” team.
RACE 3: 3-2-5-7
#3 SWEETLOU’SGOTACES returns home to NY for the white hot barn of Ray Handal and gets Lasix for the first time this afternoon. She should be set for improvement off a brutal trip at Gulfstream last time out and should be a square price at the windows given the favorite to her inside.
RACE 4: 6-9-4-1
#6 MORE MANGO ran some competitive turf races last year with a low percentage rider and now has totally darkened form for her return to the weeds. She is stretching out in distance and should be forwardly placed under a more aggressive pilot. It’s also encouraging that her trainer is off to a good start at this meet.
RACE 5: 12-2-11-7
#12 PRIX DE WEST is by 10% debut sire Classic Empire and is kin to two winners. He sold for 150k at the Keeneland Yearing sale and should be set for a strong debut given the worktab for Bill Mott. The outside post is a good thing for a debuting runner.
RACE 6: 6-1-2-7
The temptation here is to try #6 THINKABOUTIT who is first off a re-claim by Ray Handal, whose barn has been red hot of late. This is a good distance for a runner with his style and he should be a fair price to boot.
RACE 7: 8-6-2-3
If pace makes the race then #8 VACATION DANCE is going to dominate. He is the quickest early in his return from a respite and 3YO debut. There is little other speed in here to keep him company early, and trainer John Kimmel’s runners have improved since he moved his barn back to NY.
RACE 8: 11-10-9-2
#11 PAROS was hurt by going wide on a day when saving ground was a necessity back on March 31. He wound up a competitive third and was also close to a very hot pace early in that affair. This race should suit him much better and he will be nothing more than a tepid favorite.
