12/14- Picks and Analysis for Aqueduct
Bankroll: $50.00
Overall :-$172.25
Top Pick Results: 27-7-6-5
Race 1- 3,6,2
Frostie Anne is dropping back down in class after 3 straight stakes races and is back at a distance where she excels at. If she breaks well she will be tough to catch up front.
Stay Fond was an easy winner last time out at this distance. She did finish 15 lengths behind Frostie Anne back on August 12th at Saratoga.
Malarkey is my longshot play this race. While I think it will be a stretch for her to win, I would not count her out of finishing in the top 3. She likes to sit close to the pace and has finished in the money in 5 of 7 career starts.
Race 3- 1,6,5
Single Gem just missed last time out against Singapore Trader who would be very tough to beat if he were entered today. He is 1st off the claim today for Steve Klesaris, but keeps Cohen in the Irons which I like, and is running back at the same distance/conditions.
Domain went off the heavy favorite last time out and while he won, it was nothing to write home about. Today 3-1 ML is a fair price on him, and I would expect him to run similar to his last effort, but without an improvement he won’t find the winners circle.
Hokulea was wide last time out and finished a strong 2nd. Today he should save a bit more ground which I think will make the difference late. One at a price that will provide value to exotics.
Race 4- 7,2,8
Romantic Pursuit was very green in her debut but finished strong, today in her 2nd start I think this Godolphin owned and bred filly takes a big step forward. I am not thrilled with the jockey change from Saez to Cohen, but that change isn’t worth not using her on top.
Joyful Frolic is a first time starter sired by Curlin going out for Danny Gargan who has had success with 1st time starters this year and is coming off a very nice work on December 6th. She may need a race, but at ML 8-1 I think she is worth the risk using.
Always Shopping burned me in her debut, but then ran back at nearly 23-1 to run 2nd. I am not a fan of 2 year olds on the far outside which is why I placed her 3rd, but this one has a fantastic pedigree for the distance and Pletcher is due to start heating up.
Race 7- 9,2,7
Galatians is a first time gelding and is going out first time for Linda Rice who is 29% 1st off the claim this year. He is also coming off an impressive in his last race and today is back at the same distance. I would be surprised if we see 9-2 on this one.
Shamrock Kid has early speed and already has a win over this track at this distance this meet. If he gets loose on the lead he could steal this one on the front end, and at 8-1 provides value.
Cookie Crisp may be camera shy, but with 9 lifetime place finishes including 6 in 2018, he is tough to rule out for exotics. He has finished 2nd in 5 straight races and has a lifetime record of 5-1-3-0 here at Aqueduct.
Race 8- 8,7,4
Starlite Mission finished 2nd behind Highway Star last time out and finished in front of Frostie Annie who is our top choice in Race 1. If Frostie Anne does well, Starlite Mission should be your play here.
Scorpion Bowl gets a jockey upgrade to Dylan Davis and has been right there in his last 2 efforts. At ML 10-1, I know he is shipping in, but I think is worth a play.
Wagers: 50.00 Total
Race 1: $10 Win bet on 3
Race 3: $5 Win bet on 1 $3 Double 1 / 2,7,8 ($9 Total)
Race 4: $5 Win on 7
Race 7: $5 Win on 9 $2 Double 2,7,9 /8 ($6 Total)
Race 8: $10 Win on 8