Aqueduct Picks: Long shot It's Gravy will be on April 1

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack is already into its Spring Meet! That means turf racing will return shortly.

As for the Derby Trail, it is heating up, now that the Gotham S. (G2) now complete. That means that the Wood Memorial S. (G2) is just around the corner. Plus, do not forget all of the other NYRA stakes competition that is coming as well. We have 8 competitive races scheduled for today, so enjoy!

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. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Seven Lilies #2, 5/2):

Trainer Rob Atras has solid numbers, and I like the look of his 7-yr-old gelding by Rattlesnake Bridge. This experienced sprinter is very “live” after a series of Aqueduct contests dating back to late November. Dylan Davis rode in all of those, and some of that company was pretty tough. Whistling Birds (Atras’ runner was 2nd against last out) just came back and won nicely last weekend. If Davis can take up a spot close to the lead, then he has a chance to sweep up and score.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Sweet Surprise #4, 8/1):

It is going to be no easy chore to dispatch the class dropper from Chad Brown’s barn, Waters of Merom #2. However, I think this filly by Not This Time is going to issue a statement that says precisely that … Bruce Brown did not have a particularly sparkling record over the Winter Meet, but a new one is upon us. Tedesco Racing must have thought the conditioner could do a good job because they made the move, coming over from Tim Hills. I want to give this filly another shot at this level, and the best news is that she gets the “leading rider” from the Winter in Dylan Davis. He has the ability to get to the wire 1st … Should be a great price vs. that Brown underlay.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 6½, ALLW72kn1x, 3+):

It is time to go sprinting for this “spotlight” contest, and we will have 11 NY breds that will be vying for the lead. This time of year is the point when 3-yr-old colts mix with their older counterparts … it can make for some tough handicapping. Which ones are ready to take on more experienced runners, and which are not? That is the question … When it comes to a top selection, I am seriously divided by 2 entries. Both Bill Mott’s Bold Journey #10 and Kelly Breen’s It’s Gravy #4 have very different attributes. The former is coming off the Gotham S. (G3), a race in which the Hard Spun colt ended up almost dead last. The dropped down should be greatly appreciated, and the HOF trainer knows when it is necessary. What I am not exactly sold on is this one’s ability to maintain a lead. He does his best running on the engine, and if he cannot get there … what then? If you are looking for a super long shot that probably will not end up being 30/1 (like his M/L price), then take a gander at the back class of Breen’s entry. Here is a 4-yr-old gelding by Freud that is about to make his ’22 debut. He scooped up a ton of experience last year, competing against some tough state bred “Non-G” Co. He tried dirt and some turf, but I like the fact that he looks rested and ready. Breen puts together a solid work out plan to get them ready, and I think this homebred is going to come firing off-the-bench. The last time Eric Cancel rode him, he won from off-the-pace in January ’21 … that was the last time he was in the winner’s circle. Fate comes knocking … I hope we get 30/1!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Box, 4/10

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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 !!!