A nine race card is in store at Aqueduct, with The Biogio’s Rose Stakes serving as the feature. Looks to be a very contentious race and card, lets get to the comments.
1st race: 8-2-3
2nd race:
4-6-7 : Quest for Fire has shown steady improvement over his last three races and he hasn’t faced non-winners of three ever, different to the other horses in this group. Should be part of that early flight with the favorite. And talking about Take It to Scales, that last race left a lot to be desired. Can he come back nicely after been such a disappointment? Not that sold on the even money morning line. Desert Lights was gaining ground in the stretch, only to fell short by a mere half length. With enough pace in the race, he can be one t be heard off late.
3rd race: 6-4-3
4th race: 1-4-3
5th race:
5-4-1 – Aqueduct specialist Joe’s Smokin Gun gets the nod in this group. Broke thru the gate last time out, we will draw a line over that one. He has 4 of his 5 lifetime wins here at the Big A and is his second under Linda Rice’s training. Storm Prophet should be the favorite judging by his last races, but he has only 3 wins in 33 lifetime starts, with 14 second place finishes. Not very reliable at all.Blugrascat Smile can be the one that comes with a late run if there is a swift enough pace up front. Franco takes the call for trainer Rob Atras, who scores at a 29% clip second time out after a claim.
6th race:
1-4-8 – Shalako was vanned off in his last race, but after that has two breezes, so at least he is firm enough to race relatively close to that race. Correa repeats on him and comes back to a group in which he looks like a key contender. Mills drops in class and also takes a cutback to a mile, a distance much more suited for him. Reylu with the return mount and will be dangerous in the late stages. Sandy Lane gets an important upgrade in jockey and now goes second time for trainer Ferraro, who hits at a 19% clip doing this.
7th race:
3-4-7 – Vorticity takes a step back in class and returns to a sprint, in which he feels more comfortable. At one time this horse was running against the likes of Firenze Fire, Catalina Cruiser and Stormy Liberal, so he has some back class to show. Has two bullet drills in preparation for this race. Chateau is very fast and Aqueduct seems to be his preferred track. Lezcano should put him at or near the lead and if he gets clear, he will be a threat to steal it. His Name is Sue has won 7 out of 21 lifetime, something not much horses in this group show in their records. Needs pace to be effective and he should get it.
8th race: The Biogio’s Rose Stakes:
2-6-7 – Our Super Nova returns to a much more manageable group, going now versus statebreds. Alvarado should give her in a nice stalking trip and the one turn mile is perfect for her. More Mischief improved dramatically in her most recent, the question is, was that a fluke? She still needs to prove against these good fillies, but further improvement is not out of the question. Newly Minted is the most consistent of this group. Stakes are higher now, but her speed, the outside post and her consistency makes her dangerous.
9th race:
5-6-10 – Goosarella drops from MSW to claimers, and returns to a sprint, where she was most effective. Alvarado will repeat on her saddle. High School Crush knocking at the door , improving with each and every new race and should be considered the favorite. A’ de Oro is another one dropping from straight maidens into this much softer group. Comes from a seven month layoff with blinkers off and working nicely for this return race.