Aqueduct Picks: Long shot Basso the pick on April 22

NYRA spends more time at Aqueduct Racetrack than any other venue, and that includes Belmont Park. Its Spring Meet is winding down, and moving towards the finish! The turf blankets are gone, and although the weather does not always cooperate, wagering opportunities are aplenty ... especially when it comes to grass contests. Cruising into this final weekend of racing, we have 9 on the schedule, so enjoy! With Belmont just around the corner ... it will not be long now ...

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 5: Raymond Road #1, 9/2):

Looking for a sure-bet in this MC event is a challenge because there is no clear standout. Luckily, I have a strong opinion about Mike Maker’s entry. Owned in-part by Paradise Farms, the filly by Flatter might not have any turf experience, but she does have a pair of attempts at this state bred class level. One of those was for Jeremiah Englehart (2nd) before Maker and his team claimed her. With Dylan Davis aboard, she should be competitive, and if he can get her toward the front, it will be even better!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #1

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Dealing Justice #5, 5/1):

Trainer Ray Handal has tried this before … He once again sends this filly by Commissioner and Rossa Veloce #4 into the same race. I like the former in this spot, not only because Dylan Davis is aboard once again, but also because the 4-yr-old posted a strong “number” at Aqueduct in a 6½F dash. Davis had his way with that OC62.5kn2x field that afternoon, and now it is time to face some tougher company. With the presumptive favorite coming off a major layoff (Miss Brazil #1, 1/1), this might be the spot to score a victory. Handal knows his business, and the folks at Zilla Racing made a sound investment choosing him.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 Mile, ALLW82kn1x, 3+):

The Friday “feature” is this 1-turn, 8-furlong race down the backstretch at Aqueduct Racetrack. Most of the betting attention will probably be directed at Chad Brown’s Pipeline #1. The last time we saw this colt by Speightstown it was in the Cigar Mile H. (G1) in early December. He had little chance (ending up 8th) against a pair of Todd Pletcher runners that day (Amercianrevolution / Following Sea). Since then, Brown has had him working towards a ’22 debut … 1st down at his Palm Meadows base, and then up at Belmont Park. If he is sharp off-the-bench, then Manny Franco will probably power through for the score. However, if he is not … this is a wagering opportunity for those that are willing to venture out. I don’t give out crazy long shot picks that often, but I actually like the Greg Sacco entry at 50/1 … Mike Luzzi’s mount, Basso #6. He is also making his 1st start of the year, and you might remember him from the Haskell Invitational S. (G1) when Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun battled it out … fouls were aplenty. I realize that his Monmouth, Belmont, and Parx records did not result in a single “win,” but this is precisely the moment to back him. Coming off their 3-yr-old campaign, colts can take a major step forward … year-to-year, they can be particularly good. If Luzzi can keep his mount close, then he could take advantage of a pace meltdown. Based on some of his “late pace” numbers, he has the gears to game with some of these more popular picks. Sacco’s runner is going to be a massive price, and I think he is going to catch a field that is not that strong. Here is the plan … 50/1 … you bet!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 6 w 2/3/4/5/7

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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 !!!