Aqueduct February 28

Race 1.     5-3-1

The first race looks like a two horse affair at first glance, but I’m going to take a shot with Persuasive Devil. He’s got a few positives. He’s got a win and two seconds in three tries on the inner, and he was with better last year, although given they were statebreds, not quite the class drop it might seem. He’s won previously off the short layoff, Given the two top choices are underlays, he may represent the value. Point Hope and Hunter’s Strike both look capable. Given the odds on these two, it will be tough to get a value bet down on them. Point Hope  appears to be a horse with physical problems but is taking a significant drop. Neither a win nor a breakdown would be a surprise. Hunter’s Strike has a win on the inner and has been fairly consistent.

Race 2.     4-6-2

Saratoga Sight drops from MSW to this MCL race and that gives him the nod. Majority has been knocking – that is a plus and a minus. Pretty weak field may give him enough of an edge to break his maiden. Ezra was recently gelded and that’s as good a reason as any to give him the nod to finish the tri.

Race 3.     2-6-3

This race may only have six entrants, but they all have a shot at the top spot. Dad’z Laugh has the best recent figures and gets the top slot. Eskendulce is the only horse that has more closing tendencies, and given the presence of all the speed, he’ll either be left in the dust or motor by the field in the stretch. American Creed has a big win on the inner and a duplicate effort puts him right there.

Race 4.     5-1-4

Another small but competitive field. Everydoghashisday was claimed by Englehart for $10K, jumped to $25K statebred route where he flopped, and is back in a $10K sprint. Real Estate Rich looked great first two on the inner this meet, but has been a poor competitor since the claim by Terraciano. Has the talent and we’ll see if Terraciano has him turned around. Aleander doesn’t have a win on the inner but has beaten better.

Race 5.     4-5-6

Mahabodhi Tree ran well first out and was getting to the winner at the end. Anydayismyday has been close in four of five starts but hasn’t broken through. Good chances to be part of the top three. Liana Star ran well first time on the inner and has a figure equivalent to the top two.

Race 6.     1-8-2

Mister Popsicle has a couple of good races on the inner, but has a tendency to fold late. He’s got the top early speed in the field and may be enough in front to hang on. Not solid but hard to discount. Kowboy Boots doesn’t have a win in six starts on the inner but he has been improving and drops to a price where he has a better chance. Neverindicted makes a big drop today and has figures competitive with this group.

Race 7.     1-2-6-5

The entry of Ice Couture and Ice Palace looks tough here. Both horses have raced close to each other, and Ice Palace has a win at the distance. Sneaky Fair broke toward the back of the field but made a powerful close to decimate the group. Improvement seems likely today. Majesticconfection just broke her maiden for $30K and steps up for Pletcher/Ortiz. Will have to get the jump on the 2. Kentucky Road has two good races on the inner and has run at this level successfully. Can’t discount.

Race 8.     1-5-4

Monty Haul has been popular at the claim box lately and runs for Steve Klesaris today. No form on the inner, but he’s a win type that always seems to be around at the end. Eighty Three ran two good ones on the inner and then shipped to SA with DJ where he finished second as the favorite. Fits well in this group. Maleeh has been off 11 months for McLaughlin. Has been working well and off his best he is very dangerous.

Race 9.     9-3-10-7

Amulay was beaten by Just Catty and Bonita Luna last time but I’ll give him a good chance to turn the tables today. Is She Hot has the best speed in the field and could use it to her advantage. Just Catty and Bonita Luna finished next to each other last out and could have a big say in the outcome again.