Aqueduct Picks & Betting Analysis for December 17
NYRA's Aqueduct Racetrack had their Fall Meet, and now the Winter one is in full swing. Though the turf is covered until April, dirt racing is 100% available ... so, this is still one of the tracks that garners mass attention.
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned!
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Amazing Dream #10, 9/2):
Out of this expansive field, one runner stands out as the “likely winner.” HOF trainer Todd Pletcher’s 2-yr-old filly by First Samurai is dropping out of the MC30k level where she put in a “mild bid” last time. The off-track that day probably did not help, but I think she has a good shot coming back to the MT @AQU. Repole Stable invests in some good ones up at NYRA, and this one cost them $190k. That is no small amount … Jockey Manny Franco gets the call, and I would like to see him return to the form that he had over a year ago. Pletcher is an ace at MC contests, so it stands to reason that he has the winner here.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #10
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Seven Lilies #5, 5/1):
Here is an experienced gelding by Rattlesnake Bridge that has 45 starts under him. Trained by Rob Atras, he has some solid attempts on the NYRA courses. After winning nicely last time on a “good” track at Aqueduct, he is going try higher company in this OC45k event. I am thinking that he can keep this winning streak alive, since his fitness is more than sound. Dylan Davis is a rider who works well with Atras, and he already understands his mount. Maybe this one will drift up towards 6/1 or 7/1 on the tote. Time for this veteran to take these other runners to school …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 6F, OC50k, 2F):
The highlight on the card this Friday could be this OC event … Out of these 9 that are entered here, you could go in a number of directions. There are a number of these young filles who have a number of efforts to their name. They seem poised to turn the calendar and head towards their 3-yr-old campaigns. When it comes to a race time favorite, I am thinking that Rudy Rodriguez’s Slow Crossing #8 will take quite a bit of money, especially since her debut race was an off-the-pace score back at Belmont in late October. There is no question that was a strong 1st outing, but the question is, can she capitalize on that performance? I am doubtful, and I am much more interested in Rudy Rod’s other half of the uncoupled entry—Saratoga Kisses #6. With 6 career races under her saddle, this filly by Kantharos tried a high-level “Non-G” contest over at Finger Lakes. She had little in the way of response that day (finishing 10 lengths back -7th), but that doesn’t mean T-Mac cannot get the job done today. Let’s use both of “RR’s” runners, but also take a hard look at Todd Pletcher’s well-bred filly by super sire Into Mischief. No More Mischief #3 won by just a neck at Belmont back in mid-October, and she did it facing adversity throughout the race. I realize she is in the same boat as Rodriguez’s inexperienced entry, but the difference is that this is a Todd Pletcher charge. We all know what his numbers look like, and Mathis Stable paid the tidy sum of $95k for this one back at the Keeneland 2020 Sept. Sale. With a front-running style, if Manny Franco can get him to the lead, then he might have the chance to take it to the house. Should be an interesting one … to say the least.
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 3/6/8
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Enjoy some racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct!