Back at the Big A after last Thursday was non existent. 8 Races on the card today and we had 2 winners on top last week. Let’s see what we can get rolling this week in Queens.
Race 1: 2-6-1
A bit of a stinker to start here but never the less we have picked #2 SUPER WICKED CHARM to win here. Last time out got the rail and had a rough trip, Kendrick took him 6 wide from the rail in order to make a rally happen. That’s just not going to get the job done, so today we should see a better trip and ride from Kendrick, from a colt who’s bred to go this distance.
Race 2: 1-2-5
We’re going to take a shot here with #1 CAUSIN’ TROUBLE who’s a 10/1ML mare coming off her maiden win at 5. She broke her maiden by 10 3/4 lengths last time out here at Aqueduct at this same distance. She’s facing winners for the first time today obviously, however she’s older than most of the winners she is facing. She also has been ITM at this distance 4 times in 6 tries and all of those have come here at Aqueduct.
Race 3: 5-1-7
#5 STAY SMART is taking a step down in class today which will surely help her. She’s been ITM in 3 of 5 races here at Aqueduct and is cutting back a furlong today. Trainer has fantastic percentages as well, 33% going route to sprint, 28% on the dirt, and 27% in sprints.
Race 4: 4-2-3
We are taking a shot here with #4 FRENCH CAFE at 6/1ML. Last time out she showed a lot of speed from the gate but fell off. Speed in races like this can be very dangerous, and she has the most out of anybody here with what seems to be little to no pace pressure. Mike Maker is 22% with maidens making their 2nd start and after getting some experience I’m going with the pace angle here.
Race 5: 4-5-1
#4 HIM SHE KISSES has run here at Aqueduct 4 times and never finished worse than 4th. He has the best top Beyer’s in the field here and has had some very solid races here. In two races at the distance he’s run a first and a place and they’ve been his best and third best Beyer figures. Has some early speed and should be able to get out toward the lead or stalk to victory.
Race 6: 8-4-6
#8 EXCESS CAPACITY won by a massive margin on new years eve here in a cheap claimer. Trainer is 24% here at NYRA tracks first off the claim in the past 5 years. She’s going to be on the lead and everybody knows I enjoy Kendrick on the lead with his hard riding. If she gets no pace pressure, which looks possible, she could be away at the wire 6/1ML.
Race 7: 1-6-5
Not a great race here overall as I went with the favorite #1 THE GREAT JOHANNA. She’s run ITM in all 4 of her races at Aqueduct and all 5 races at this distance, winning 2 a piece. Junior jumps back up today and her versatile running style will help her considering the speed up front, she probably will not want to be on the lead. Her last 3 races at this track are all at this distance and she owns two wins and a third.
Race 8: 1-3-9
Going to take a shot in the finale with #1 SARATOGA STYLE who’s taking a huge step down in class and to the lowest level of her career. She’s 2 for 3 at the distance and has done well here at Aqueduct. Beyer’s have been close to the Beyer par and at 8/1ML we might as well let it fly in the finale.