Happy New Year to all of the Daily Gallop readers, we have 8 races today at Aqueduct with a first post of 12:50 eastern, the track should still be muddy so factor into your handicapping. Hoping for some solid plays including a pair of longshots, let’s ring in the new year (and decade) with a bang! And as always be sure to follow me on twitter @cjfelts87.
Longshot plays of the day: Race 5 #12 Real Dan, Race 8 #5 Captain Frost
Best Bet: Race 7 #3 Independence Hall
Through 20 Daily Gallop writeups Total: 185-43-34-42 (23% win, 63% ITM)
Aqueduct meet totals: 36-8-2-13, $1.63 ROI for every $2 bet ($72 wagered = $58.60 returned)
Race 1 MCL 40k 4up, 6.5 furlongs
Multi Race- A: 1,5 B: 2,4
Top pick- #5 Gottahaveaholiday
- Pretty chalky way to start the day but I don’t see this 5 getting beat. Gottahaveaholiday is a 6 year old mare who has been knocking on the door as of late and is placed in a nice spot today shipping from Laurel. Can improve off her last race which she ran above today’s beyer par and will be on the front end early on. Not trying to play against but she will be a short price.
Second choice- 1/1A Entry
- Both sides of the entry intrigue me here, but I’m more focused on #1A Happy Music. Ran a good race last out dropping in for a tag for the first time and figures to improve again today. Lightly raced 4 year old will benefit from getting Lezcano in the saddle too.
Underneath- #2 Jasminesque, #4 Shannon’s Girl
Race 2 Str Alw 50k fillies and mares 4up, 1 mile
Multi Race- A: 4,5 B: 2,3
Top pick- #5 Gracetown
- Improving in form and Linda Rice will give her enough shot at the starter allowance level. It’s encouraging that Jose Lezcano stays on for a third time too and she seems tough to beat at 8-5 ML.
Second choice- #4 Girl of Toscanova
- She can compete here based on her back class although her form has not been great recently. She could be a nice price if things set up right for her.
Underneath- #2 Chillinwithfriends, #3 Princess in Charge
Race 3 MSW 60k state bred 3yo fillies, 6 furlongs
Multi Race- A: 2 B: 3
Top pick- #2 Bankers Daughter
- Another chalky race but she makes the most sense on paper. Has the right to improve again and I like the fact that they’re keeping her at the same level and Dylan Davis stays aboard. 6-5 ML favorite will be tough to beat.
Second choice- #3 New York Supreme
- The most likely challenger to the 2, ironically they have both ran in the past same 2 races. Last race you can forgive obviously since she was pulled up but she’ll keep Manny Franco and will run against Bankers Daughter again. Maybe try and hammer an exacta box here.
Underneath- #4 Rosey’s Invasion
Race 4 CLM 25k state bred fillies and mares 4up, 6 furlongs
Multi Race- A: 3,6 B: 1,7
Top pick- #3 Archumybaby
- This was a tough race to narrow down so I would spread here but I landed on Archumybaby. Two well placed thirds against optional claimers while running into back-to-back winner Hay Field both times, will enjoy the class relief plus can run well in the mud which will help since the track will probably be muddy still. Has won against this level and gets Carmouche in the irons today.
Second choice- #6 Cartwheelin Lulu
- Will be on the front end and set the pace, two hard knocking seconds at this level and distance, and I like the fact that Declan Carroll stays aboard who has been riding well as an apprentice. She’ll be involved and could hang on for a piece.
Underneath- #1 Flat Calm, #4 First Forever, #7 Letmetakethiscall,
Race 5 CLM 10k 4up, 7 furlongs
Multi Race- A: 1A, 12 B: 3,8,11
Top pick- #12 Real Dan
- I love this horse at 6-1 ML for two simple reasons. He does his best running off layoffs and loves this Aqueduct course. Gary Gullo is 21% running horses for the first time and will get Eric Cancel aboard today.
Second choice- #1A Too Fast to Pass
- Improving in form and won at this level two races back. Is a contender at 7-2 ML but I think he is beatable.
Underneath- #3 What a Catch, #8 Scarf It Down, #11 Where’s Rudy
Race 6 ALW 70k n1x fillies and mares 4up, 6.5 furlongs
Multi Race- A: 1A,7 B: 5,6
Top pick- #7 Queen Kaheen
- This seems like a weak n1x field but I landed on Queen Kaheen here. She loves to run over a wet track and can step up as she jumps up in class. Like the fact that Manny Franco has been riding her for a while too.
Second choice- #1A Slimey
- Another horse that likes the wet and will appreciate the drop in class. Gets Eric Cancel aboard today as she makes her Aqueduct debut.
Underneath- #5 Reflect, #6 Champagne Bliss
Race 7 The Jerome 150k 3yo, 1 mile
Multi Race- A: 3 B: 1,7
Top pick- #3 Independence Hall
- Opens at 1-5 ML so there’s no value to be found here but it’s an easy single and move on. His race in the Nashua was dominating as he won by 12 lengths and ran the mile in 1:34.6. He’s simply faster than the rest of them and the others will be fighting for second.
Second choice- #1 Prince of Pharoahs
- He’s been training well and will be up on the lead early on. Has every right to improve and seems like a logical contender to complete the exacta.
Underneath- #7 Bourbon Bay
Race 8 CLM 16k N3L 4up, 1 mile
Multi Race- A: 1A,5 B: 3,4
Top pick- #5 Captain Frost
- I’ll take a shot with this 12-1 ML longshot to close it out. He has won both of his races at Aqueduct going a mile and I think things can set up for him here. You can forgive his last two races at Finger Lakes since he had issues breaking out of the gate and he’ll have to fire today but has a lot of speed and could go wire to wire today.
Second choice- #1A Purchasing Power
- Seems like the best idea to play the entry to place but he should be considered here if he can fire off the layoff.
Underneath- #3 Woodbury, #4 Internet of Things, #9 Dooley