Aqueduct Picks & Betting Analysis for December 9

NYRA's Aqueduct Racetrack just completed its Fall Meet, but they immediately transition into the Winter. With only dirt racing available, it is still one of the tracks that garners attention.

This year superstar jockey Jose Ortiz has confirmed he will be staying home, and not shifting his tack to Gulfstream Park. That is welcome news because it only strengthens the group moving forward.

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 Thursday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Raven Rocks #5, /):

Trainer Jeremiah Englehart has this Peter Leidel-owned son of Into Mischief ready to fire. The colt has a history of competing against ALLW Co. at NYRA tracks, and was 3rd most recently at Finger Lakes. Coming back to AQU, this well-bred runner is going to get the benefit of the class drop, and gets the services of one Kendrick Carmouche. This is a rider that has turned in an excellent 2020-2021, and that should continue into the new year. Nothing like a New York bred for a New York state-of-mind.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 1: Queen’s Warrant #4, 8/1):

Trainer Graham Motion has some tepid numbers when it comes to 1st time starters, but that is speaking overall … not in singular instances. I like this filly by Point of Entry, and I am just waiting for the conditioner to bring forth his next great young turf runner. Could this be the one? What she has going for her is some impressive sire/dam 1st time starter stats. Regular Motion rider T-Mac gets the call, and he has the experience to take one like this “to raise,” as my Granny used to say. Even though her works at the Fair Hill Training Center were not “bullets,” she does have a consistent tab. The price should be right at 8/1, or even higher … Bet on Motion …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 6½, ALLW72k, F&M 3+ NY Breds):

Here is a tough 1-turn ALLW Co. contest for older females that should provide bettors with a great betting race. Just a quick glance over the M/L, you quickly see that there is really not a prohibitive favorite. The closest thing to a “fave” is Jose Ortiz’s mount from the Baker Barn, Towering Orbit #7. Last out, this younger filly made the leap from the MSW Division up to this kind of level. Though that was a 4th place finish, she has the wheels to build on that effort. Looking at some of the other runners in here, I am more enthusiastic about John Salzman’s oddly-named Behind the Couch #9. This one ships in from Laurel, and the 5-yr-old mare by Awesome Again is a sprinter through and through. Let’s use her, but also think long and hard about Mitch Friedman’s Chasing Cara #4. I like Dylan Davis’ mount, and she has a proven record in ALLW Co. Her record at the “Big A” is 6/1-1-1. By Broken Vow, she has the capability to win at odds of 4/1 on the M/L. This one … in the end … will be my top selection!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 4 w 7 w 9

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Enjoy some racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct!