Aqueduct Picks: Going a mile on February 18

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet rolling along, despite some challenging weather conditions. The Derby Trail is heating up there with the Gotham S. (G2), and the Wood Memorial S. (G2) slated to run in March and April, respectively. Plus, all of the other NYRA stakes competition ... how about that!

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!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Ice Princess #2, 9/5):

Trainer Danny Gargan divides his time in the winter between New York and Florida. Up North, he has a mare by Palace Malice that should enjoy a class drop this afternoon. Running against tough state bred competition at the “Non-G” level, she is getting freshened up to start her new campaign. This is a good spot because I am sure that Aqueduct stakes action is in her future, or the impending Belmont Meet. Jose Lezcano was aboard last time, and will be at it again. His skills are pretty impressive, no matter what the situation might be. Gargan adds to his win column today …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Straight Skinny #8, 6/1):

Trainer Amira Chichakly sent this gelding by Beautyinthepulpit into a state bred contest going long at Aqueduct back in late January. That was not a horrible effort on the step-up; he actually held his own for a good bit of the race. Going 1 1/8th is never easy. Now, his conditioner drops this one back into a perect spot. I think he should be able to harness some of that ability he exhibited 2-back in a similar. He was 13/1 that afternoon in December at Aqueduct … I doubt that will be the case today. Young Samuel Camacho gets the call, and this will be his 4th try. If he can clear the gate in good order, then he could be looking at frontrunning victory! This barn needs a good win …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, AOC45k, F&M 4+ NY Breds):

Rolling into this Friday, we have a strong contingent of older females that will be contesting this 1-turn mile on the MT @AQU. A nice group of 8 will be going forward, and to my eye, there is a clear winner in Mashnee Girl #2 for trainer Mark Hennig. I will be backing her to the hilt at the window because I think she is a deserving favorite. The NY homebred is moving up in class from state company, and boy, was she good in her last contest at “The Big A.” The fractions she set were pretty stiff, enroute to a frontrunning victory for Hennig. Graduating into a spot like this one is always great to see. Kendrick Carmouche had the mount on 13 Jan., and will do so again. Who doesn’t like one that can elevate up the ladder, as opposed to down? As for the rest of the field, I also like the exploits of Ifihadachance #4. This Falcone mare by Courageous Cat is getting back to the track after being off since Belmont. She was running in this kind of company before, and now with some maturity under her saddle, she should be ready to fire off the shelf. The hot-riding Jose Gomez is a “bug” that is exciting to watch, as he learns the ropes. This barn has a good thing going, and I like the numbers. Let’s use this one underneath. Time to cash a ticket …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 2 w 4

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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 !!!