We head to New York and though the venue has remained the same at Aqueduct, a new meet begins. Today is the start of their traditional race meet at Aqueduct today. There won’t be any more “BAQ” codes or Belmont at the Big A designations when you retrieve programs until May. So as the time changed around the US, the meet name changed in New York.
We have 14 fillies and mares entered for this mile and a sixteenth race on the inner turf course. The rail is out 27 feet, so they are trying to protect the inner turf course for any last major turf races at the Big A.
With the rail being out, we will have a maximum of nine horses running. That is because we have five horses here who are designated to run on the main track only, including both halves of an entry. With the lack of rain, it is highly unlikely that racing will be taken off the turf.
Aqueduct Race 7 – Allowance Race
Favored amongst the turf runners today is the 8 Rhiannon (9/5 morning line). She returns to the races after a layoff that was a few days short of a year. She broke her maiden on the grass at Aqueduct and then finished fifth in a Grade 3 race last year.
This is a race where the connections are trying to use this race to get her back to stakes company. The workouts look great, and she should be ready.
The 6 Revalita (7/2 ML) is the “other” Chad Brown horse here as she has a shorter layoff of about three months. She was last seen at Saratoga in August against allowance foes going a mile. This distance should be right in her wheelhouse.
The 9 Vino Rouge (9/2 ML) returns today’s distance after weakening late last time out at Aqueduct. She will be stalking the pace like she did at Saratoga in August though he was disqualified for veering out in deep stretch and impeding another filly in that race. A straighter path to the finish line today gets her to the winner’s circle.
The 10 Awesome Czech (6/1 ML) closed well against allowance company at Aqueduct last month finishing third. She will be closing from the back of the pack like she did last time out. The outside post should not affect her today.
Joe’s Pick
With the rail out 27 feet, it will be harder for the closers to come from the back of the pack to win. However, it is not impossible. I just think that we will have a stalker win this race.
Given that there is no front running speed in this race amongst the turf entrants, it is very possible that Vino Rouge inherits the lead and draws off at the end here. I’ll call this 9-10-8-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 9. Best of luck everyone!
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