Aqueduct Picks: King Kumbalay can rule at a price on March 4

With 2 minutes to loading ... NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet setting the pace, despite at times, battling tough weather conditions. The Derby Trail is heating up there with the Gotham S. (G2) this weekend. That means that the Wood Memorial S. (G2) is not far off. Plus, do not forget all of the other NYRA stakes competition that is slated ... We have 8 competitive races on tap today ...

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 3: Polished Gem #6, 5/2):

Trainer Orlando Noda is on the hunt for some wins at this AQU Meet. He stands at 11% right now, and with 84 starts, he could do better. This runner, a filly by Hard Spun, has a good chance to score. Based on her last race though under Linda Rice, you wouldn’t think so. The filly was dealt by 3 outfits starting last summer, so here’s to hoping she has found a good home with Noda. She just needs the chance to get back on track, and return to the form she exhibited last summer. The solid riding ability of Trevor McCarthy can only help this situation.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

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

The last time David Duggan brought this gelding by Shanghai Bobby to Aqueduct, he did not acquit himself well. The switch from Parx state bred co. to the “Grand Canyon” of a NYRA ALLW race like this one was too much. Now, Duggan is back for another go … if at first … I like a second chance, and think that this conditioner is smart to bring along his 4-yr-old’s regular rider, Luis Rodriguez. Some ‘cappers think this is silly to bet such an angle, but I think it can make a difference. Duggan has the “King” ready to fire for his 3rd in the cycle, and he will be more than a square price. These Parx runners deserve more respect, and even though it is going to take a best effort … he can do it.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6½F, AOC62.5kn2x, F&M 3+):

The Friday menu at Aqueduct includes this tough AOC contest, and there is no question that it is going to be tough to find a way around Chris Englehart’s Eloquent Speaker #1. The mare by Flatter has shifted from one barn to the next, and even endured a claim. Gary Barber owns this classy 5-yr-old, and he is hoping that she is ready to roll. Dropping out of a state bred contest back in January, she just missed in that spot with Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle. He is back, and we all know she is going to be a short price. Looking for both value and an entry that can take her on, I landed on Ray Handal’s Dealing Justice #3. The filly by Commissioner has the ability to put together some strong early foot, and you know Dylan Davis can be aggressive in the saddle. He knows his mount quite well after 3 tries on her, and the class level fits. She can tangle with this favorite, and she has potential. Maybe she can catch a fair track because the moisture has really worn her out the past 3x she has raced at Aqueduct. This looks like a strong angle, and she will be a square price at 4/1. Let’s call this one cold, and cash what could be a solid ticket.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 3 w 1

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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 !!!