I’m back for a Friday at AQU. Not an easy day – lots of favorites look strong and there aren’t a lot of longshots that intrigue me, but here goes.

Race 1.     1A-2-5

Nuffsaid Nuffsaid was claimed last out by Danny Gargan who is still strong first off the claim. She drops in price for her return after a couple of months under Gargan’s care. She looks like the stronger part of the entry, and if she runs back to some of her best from last year she’s a major threat to take it all. Angel Code is the obvious favorite, and she makes a big drop for Bruce Levine. Frankly if she runs the same race she won last time she could wire the field, but given she is running for a price less than 50% of her last race, it gives me enough doubt to maybe take a shot elsewhere. Time for Angie is jumping up for double the price she won at last time, but she’s had some good figures and is 3 for 3 on the inner.

Race 2.     7-1-4

Ran die’s Dream is a little bit of a stab, but given he was bet first out and had no chance after a poor break, I’ll look for a better effort today. Majority has been knocking at the door and is likely to assume the favorite’s role. Looks soiid for an in the money spot, and would be no surprise in the win slot. Smart Russian jumped up to a straight maiden last out and was expectedly thumped, but he’s back to the claiming ranks where he’s been competitive.

Race 3.     2-1-3

Lady Luciano has a good inner track record, including a win and a place at today’s distance at this meet. She’s back at the level at which she won last out, and although I wouldn’t make her as strong a favorite as the ML, she is a consistently good sprinter. Wisdom of Oz finished second off a long layoff on the inner last out, and while it may seem she’s going up substantially in price, it really isn’t that big of a jump. She’s shown she can compete with these. Saluda has good speed and has been competitive on the inner. May be the one to catch.

Race 4.     1-3-6

Our Luck comes off a short layoff after a claim by Michael Pino. Pino is 25% first off the claim and he brings him back at the right level. Aaron Burr is another that is making a second attempt at these conditions. Has shown his best on the inner and looks competitive off his last start. Vancouver has spent a little longer than I like in the condition, but he looks reasonable as an in the money pick.

Race 5.     5-2-6

This is a race where every horse has a chance. I’ll give the nod to Stone Supplier. She definitely perked up when she hit the inner. Her last was not representative of what she can do considering the troubled start. Off her best she competes well in this group. North Eight Street puts the blinkers on today and that may be enough to focus her speed. Fits in this class level. Whimsey’s Girl has been running well on the inner and off her best has good outs.

Race 6.     7-3-1

Terrian bobbled at the start last out and lost his chance. He’s making his third start off the layoff for Englehart and with a better start he should be the one to catch. His breeding suggests he shouldn’t have trouble with the distance. Taoiseach has had a good inner dirt meet including a win at this level and two thirds in state-bred stakes. Owner Gentleman is only making his fifth start and his last was his best. Looks competitive today.

Race 7.     1-6-3

Metal Magic won at this level two back, jumped in price and still ran a nice looking race. Best last race figure. Bluegrass Prevails should be battling up front and is four of four in the money on the inner. Should prefer the sprint distance. Take a Bite moved up to this level and looked good. Competitive enough to be a factor here.

Race 8.     4-1-5

Lucky Lurie has two seconds on the inner and has been on the improve. Blinkers on may focus him better today. Championofthenile comes out of a couple of good runs in state-bred stakes last year to make his 2016 debut. Linda Rice is good off the layoff and this looks like a good spot to come back. Gehrig is coming off a short rest for Bruce Levine. He’s quick out of the gate but has to show better in the stretch.

Race 9.     4-9-2

Stevie’s Moonshot won at the NW2 level, was claimed by David Cannizzo and jumped up a level. He had a little trouble at the break in that race and drops back down today. Competitive figures. Awesome Bill won convincingly at the NW2 level and stays at that price to run in the next condition. Best last out figure makes him the danger. Wildniteattheopera drops a level in search of the win. He’s showed better speed last out but has had a lot of trouble winning lately.