We head to Baqueduct for some maidens and some turf racing
Kevin Gazzale
It’s been a while since I have done one of these. Since my last qualifier me and my wife have managed to welcome our second child into the family. I have been home on a mini shortened paternity leave prior to my full leave in the fall. I am on baby duty today solo so that means we’re firing up picks for an 8 race card at Aqueduct with some maiden races and turf races which have a chance for some prices, let’s get into it.
Race 1 – 2 Freedom Charge has some decent breeding along with a trainer who tends to be decent first time out with 2YOs. The ML favorite here may ultimately want turf and that’s what I am banking on.
Race 2 – 5 Notable Heritage has a class edge in here which may not mean much since every horse in the field just does not like to run much. The Two Chad’s scare me but not at those prices and those horses may ultimately want turf.
Race 3 – 3 Power of Women, this horse should dominate in here, take the free square and $4
Race 4 – 4 Three Little Birds has speed figs in here on fast tracks that fit. He may get a pace setup that benefits his style too. 9/2 on the ML and I think I may get just that.
Race 5 – 6 Mo the Merrier, seems outclassed connections wise in here but he has run decent races at Fair Grounds, now he has some time off I think he may fire his best shot here.
Race 6 – 6 EZ Roll gets back to a distance he prefers with speed figures that fit in here at a better price than the top 2. I’ll roll the dice here with 3/1.
Race 7 – 10 Strate Cash for Cherie and Manny Franco looks primed for a new personal top here, 3rd of the 4YO season, 2nd off layoff, ran a nice race at Keeneland this spring sprinting. There’s a few scratches to we’ll see if the 4/1 ML holds up. I initially selected longshot 8 Chasing Freedom but was scratched.
Race 8 – 3 Snookie Bear is a late runner who may get the pace set up in front of them. Turf figures fit but that was under Dutrow with Ness training now. Horse was recently gelded along with some of that Ness magic touch I think this horse can mow them down late.
Honestly this isn’t the best card in the world but picking winners is all the same in these contest formats. Hopefully we can finish high up the leaderboard today and turn around and play some better cars tomorrow.
Good Luck!
