Aqueduct February 21

It looks like a very competitive day, but I’ve isolated a couple of potential longshots. Posting is pre-scratch.

Race 1.     5-6-1

While L X Sunrise has finished in the money 16 times in 24 races, only one of those was a win. Will likely be underlayed in the win pool, but can be used vertically. She’s All Even has a ton of speed and may have things her own way on the front. Dangerous. Barrier to Entry has been running well on the inner and drops to a friendlier level. Gabby’s Brown ran well in her first start for Nevin, comes off a short rest and certainly has chances if she doesn’t get lost on the rail.

Race 2.     2-6-7

I’ve got no great insight here. The low price horses look good. The Great Whiteway is trained by Klesaris who has been hot lately so he gets the nod.

Race 3.     4-3-5

Another race where one of the public choices is likely to win. Awesome News is likely the best of the speed horses and Rachel’s Temper looks the best poised to take advantage if the race breaks down.

Race 4.     6-5-8

Albertrani is not known for success with first timers but he does better once they’ve had a start. Second start and she gets first Lasix. Good Laugh goes for the red hot Linda Rice barn. Firestar is the type of horse I won’t put on top despite the top figures. Backholer for me.

Race 5.     4-1-2

The Broadway is a competitive affair with good speed in Court Dancer and Tricky Zippy along with the hard-trying Willet. I’ll stick with those three although Blithely certainly can be thrown into the mix.

Race 6.     9-8-10-2

Another tough race. I’m going with a couple of price horses. Curious Cal is at the right level and comes off a fairly long layoff for Charlton Baker. His big positive – two wins in three tries on the inner. American Creed is coming off a win and a claim by Michelle Nevin at this level. Two in a row not out of the question. The Big Deluxe is the likely favorite and as such may be overbet, but he’s got plenty of speed and threat to wire the field. Comandante is a good prospect to outrun his odds. Lots of speed and will benefit from the price drop.

Race 7.     5-6-9

Kibble is 10/1 on the ML for Anthony Dutrow who has been a little hard luck at the AQU inner meet, but I like his chances here. JCs American Dream will likely go favorite but looks like he will be doing it from off the pace. Not so much speed in the field that I can feel confident about him running by the leaders in the stretch. Regia Marina took a while to break her maiden but perhaps not that she has it figured out she’ll get two in a row.

Race 8.     8-4-1

The Haynesfield is another competitive stakes. Royal Posse is the odds on ML favorite and should be in a good position. Likely to be underlayed but with good chances. Perhaps Full of Mine is as bad as the ML suggests, but I’m going to use him in the verticals. Saratoga Snacks is coming in off a series of good finishes in statebred stakes and looks solid in this spot. If you’re looking at horizontals, you might want to give some consideration to Good Luck Gus and Eye Luv Lulu.

Race 9.     3-6-7

The final is a pretty open affair. Nick’s Funnybone looks best of the starters. J K’s Girl goes first time for Klesaris and he’s hit with 3 of 5 firsters at the inner meet. Gonna Find Her goes for Michael Dilger who is 21% with second start maidens.