Aqueduct Picks: Not much Risk Taking on March 25

The call to the post ... it's coming! Time to head to the gate! 

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet wrapping up this Sunday, despite battling tough weather conditions. 

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 9 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!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Impazible Donna #8, 5/2):

Here is a seasoned mare by Mission Impazaible that has not won since January ’21. That isn’t a reason to not back her because I believe trainer Bruce Levine has her pointed in the proper direction. This class level is clearly appropriate, and maybe she just has not gotten the right trip. Levine could use a win at the AQU Meet, and he might get it with Kendrick Carmouche in the irons. He was on her back on 27 Feb., and she rated impressively at 12/1 on the tote. That 2nd place finish portends good things to come.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #8

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Eucharist #2, 10/1):

Trainer Ray Handal continues to have a strong Winter Meet at “The Big A,” and he claimed this gelding by Flatter for himself last month. Handal is a savvy guy, having honed his trade at a number of fabulous establishments. I trust his eye, and this runner can handle the open company. Even though last out he lacked the necessary drive down that was needed, that doesn’t mean that he cannot bounce back in this spot. Using his regular go-to-guy, Dylan Davis (who is riding exceedingly well), this could be the overlay of the day at 10/1. Let’s hope it holds. I am a big fan of Ten Strike Racing, who was a part-owner, and that makes me think that Handal is onto something …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, OC62.5kn2x, 3+):

Here is an interesting 2-turn contest that pits a Todd Pletcher uncoupled entry against one of Chad Brown’s Derby Trailers from last year. With a total of 7 drawn-in, most bettors will be hard-pressed to nab a winner outside of these 3. With good reason … Pletcher’s pals include the short-priced Vindictive #3, and at 2/5 on the M/L, there is probably not much value in backing this son of Uncle Mo. He certainly has some solid class lines, having run already at all 3 NYRA courses. But it has been since September that he actually won a race. The layoff (since 27 Nov @AQU) is a concern, and that might be his weakness. Certainly, Pletcher has the ability to get horses ready, but it is interesting to find Too Boss #4 entered as well. This son of El Padrino did not measure up last out in a similar, and I am having a hard time believing that he can win in this spot. Manny Franco continues to ride well during the 2nd half of this Meet, but he is going to need a monumental effort to celebrate in the winner’s circle. I am much more persuaded by Brown’s Risk Taking #5. The Klaravich router was against Pletcher’s #4 last time, and did not fare too well (I admit). Maybe the mile was just too short, and this kind of stretch out is just what he wants. Eric Cancel will try to get him into position early, with a great shot to score. One other runner that strikes some interest is from John Kimmel’s outfit. The Reds #6 has not been seen since the Grade 3 Ohio Derby back at Thistledown in late June of last year, and this colt by Tonalist has some Aqueduct experience to his credit. He tried the Gotham S. (G2) against Weyburn and Crowded Trade, before moving on to Pimlico (Tesio S.), and Belmont (P. Ridge G3). Those 2 races were 2nd place finishes, but I would not say it was comforting … he was pretty short on the tote both times. Still, he could come off-the-bench, ready to fire … let’s use this one … Here is the play!

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

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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 !!!