Aqueduct Picks & Betting Analysis for November 11: Opening Day
Aqueduct Racetrack as a long history ... running November and into April, it is one of the places in Thoroughbred racing to be. Located just across from JFK Airport on Long Island, New York, the NYRA track features turf (just for next few weeks in November) and of course, dirt. All the connections are all ready for action as it is Opening Day!
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered with selections for every contest on the card! 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 day be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 4: Waxman #6, 7/5):
When Todd Pletcher comes to Aqueduct, it is time to sit up and take notice. The now HOF conditioner is always strong, and he has an expansive stable at his fingertips. Here is a 3-yr-old colt by Empire Maker that is poised for a breakout. He has yet to win his 1st race, but this could be the opportunity. John Velazquez, a rider that needs no introduction, gets the call again. After a couple of 2nds (SPA/KEE), it is time for this Wertheimer homebred to turn it up a notch. Could we be looking at a Derby Trail journeyman here? Stay tuned …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Matty’s Express #8, 10/1):
There are not many of Admiral Kitten’s offspring that have had much success on the racetrack. This sire was a heck of a turf router in his day for Mike Maker. I like this gelding for Kelly Breen, and I have played him before in multi-race wagers. It is only a matter of time before he breaks through for another win. Jose Lezcano rides, and he normally does well at the “Big A.” Extending out from a 7F sprint to a route like this on the grass is just what he wants to do. I think double-digits are more than feasible.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 1/8th, ALLW82k, 3+):
We find ourselves in the middle of a deeper turf route, and with a field of 11 it is going to make for an excellent betting contest. A significant amount of money is of course going to flow into the coffers of the Chad Brown trainee—St. Joe Louis #1. This is a gelding by Kingman (GB), one of the stronger grass sires in the UK right now. Back in August, when we last saw him, he just missed in a high-level ALLW Co. race akin to this one. With Irad Ortiz, Peter Brant (owner) can sleep tight knowing he has the advantage coming back to Aqueduct.
I like this runner, and will use him, but when it comes to value, why not look for a real bargain. I found one in Shug McGaughey’s Never Explain #9. At 10/1, the 3-yr-old comes from a normally strong outfit, and gets the services of Javier Castellano. Though he missed in his last pair of races (SPA/BEL), I think he has a real chance with this change of scenery. The “Big A’s” turf course is fleeting, what with the weather on the way, so let’s see of Courtlandt Farms’ entry can meet the challenge.
One other racer that I think has potential is Steve Asmussen’s well-bred Hidden Enemy #3. By Galileo (IRE), the colt was a “just miss” back at Belmont on 18 September. Luis Saez does not work with the HOF trainer often, so this might be the opportunity to see this 3-yr-old get home. At 6/1, that should be a pretty square price. He has experience at this distance, and to me, that is a major plus.
Let’s use these 3 turf specialists … hope for good weather … and use them in “Box” to get a score!
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/3/9
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Enjoy some racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct!