Aqueduct Picks: Big A back Sunday January 16

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack is rolling along, and its Winter Meet, despite some tough weather conditions, has some excellent betting opportunities before it! Saturday racing was cancelled, but they are back today! The feature is the $100k Ladies Stakes ...

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 6: Big Engine #6, 4/1):

I am pretty confident that Rudy Rodriguez has the winner in this OC62.5k sprint. His new charge, from the barn of Linda Rice, looks to be pretty classy, and should finish off this group. Wudda U Think Now #3 is going to be over bet for Rodriguez, and I think his new rival is the better play. Sometimes with uncoupled entries you have this happen. I am not sure if this is good for racing or not at this level, but thinking with my wagering hat firmly affixed, I believe the better-priced runner will be the play, based on the class drop out of the True North (G2). Bet ‘em …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Candy Monet #1, 6/1):

This New York bred is from the celebrated Funky Munky Stable, and Jorge Vargas gets the call for David Donk. The reason I want to give this filly a shot is that she is dropping out of stiffer company, and should reap the benefits. Don’t forget that back in October she won a MSW Co. contest at Belmont, which gives me hope that she can take on this competition. She should be an underlay with what looks like a bunch of favorites.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Ladies S., $100k, F&M 4+):

Back at it on Sunday, the “Big A” is open for business after a cancelled card on Saturday. What I like about this race is that out of 6, you have 3 of these older females that are pretty well-matched. At least that is what the M/L is telling us. Trainer Rob Atras sends his 4-yr-old filly to the post, and Battle Bling #4 is going to be making her 1st start for her barn. She ran on nicely last out at Aqueduct in an OC62.5k event, just missing by a neck. If T-Mac can put her into contention after the half, then she might have a shot. The real question … how will the track be playing? My sense is that a frontrunner like Linda Rice’s appropriately named Its Cold in Dehere #6 could have the edge because she will be forwardly placed. The able-bodied Jose Lezcano gets the call, and this former member of Norm Casse’s outfit has the potential to be sharp. I do not negate that Claudio Gonzalez is a strong Mid-Atlantic conditioner with ability. His Miss Leslie #5 is a daughter of Paynter, and she has a 3-win streak coming into NYRA. Those scores were at Laurel and Delaware, but that doesn’t mean that she cannot make it 4. Still, it is going to be tough going against these tough class hikers. Here is how I see it shaking out with this Trifecta wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 6 w 4 w 5

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Enjoy some racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct