Aqueduct Picks: Little Menace is big in R8 on February 3

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet rolling along, despite some tough weather conditions. 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. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Default Protection #6, 8/5):

Some recent history … Seth Klarman’s stable just continues to maintain a strong pace when it comes to ownership. The red-lettered “KS” that is emblazoned on the jockey’s silks tells all of us ‘cappers to beware. In this 1-turn mile at Aqueduct, I like the Chad Brown-trainee because the filly by Quality Road is cruising into tougher waters. That sounds a bit counterintuitive … tougher company? But recall … it is much better to be going up the class ladder than going down. With a good break, I would expect this one to be involved early, and maybe, she can set some torrid fractions like she did last time … winning by 12-lengths in the mud at “The Big A” on 2 Jan.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Pineapple Man #4, 6/1):

I am always mindful when trainer Mike Maker enters at a NYRA course because I do not think he ever gets the same respect that he does elsewhere. I am not sure why … he is a solid trainer with an expansive stable. This time around he has a 3-yr-old colt by Gormley that has some potential. After a pair of dirt sprints where the pace was just absolutely blazing up front, this time around could be something he can control. If Dylan Davis can get him loose, and his mount can keep from expending too much energy, early on, then he has a significant chance to score. I like the price … 6/1 … and I like Maker at NYRA.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 7F, AOC62.5k, 4+):

The opening “feature” at Aqueduct is this salty little contest going 7 furlongs. This is a mixed bag in here, with some class droppers, some 1st off-the-claimers, and some that just have not won a race in a while. What a great wagering opportunity on this Thursday! I already know what I want to do in this spot … “key” Rob Atras’ latest acquisition, Little Menace #3. This is my kind of horse because the 5-yr-old is going to be overlooked in favor of Tony Dutrow’s Buy Land and See #1 and Juan Vazquez’s Repo Rocks #7. I am sure that Answer In #2, a former member of Brad Cox’s outfit that is now in the Falcone Barn, will also get some play, despite this class leap. I am not against these runners, but they look to be underlays, in my mind. I much prefer Atras in this spot, since he is excellent when it comes to 1st off-the-claim. Into Mischiefs do get over bet, but this one was running in similar company just last year for Mike Maker. Manny Franco will have the mount, and he is more than adequate when it comes to handling sprinters. One other entry that sparks some interest is Steve Asmussen’s Chestertown #5. This Tapit gelding had some good performances last year for West Point Thoroughbreds, and even though he was “DQ-ed” last time out, it was still a solid effort in the Say Florida Sandy S. 100k. We need to put this one in, not only because Jose Lezcano rides, but also because his price should be more than square. Here is the play … a nice Superfecta Wheel!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 3 w 1/5/7 w 1/5/7 w 1/5/7

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy some racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!