Aqueduct Picks: Bourbon Mission and young Jose Gomez the play on January 28

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet moving right along, despite some tough weather conditions. This past week saw some interesting "chatter" in the racing world with talk concerning the set-up of the track. With a hot inside rail, it produced a ton of wins for those riders that could secure the spot. In particular, Trevor McCarthy took advantage, and it won him "Jockey of the Week" honors.

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: Rooski #3, 5/2):

Some newly-minted 3-yr-old fillies head to the gate, and for my money, I am pretty keen on this daughter of Tourist. Last week, I picked her, but the race day was cancelled because of the cold. Trained by Jeremiah Englehart, she has some ticks to the positive … Getting 1st time Lasix is one, and the fact that she won in a spot like this one last time out. She is in for a tag of $50k, and I would not be surprised in the NYRA claiming market if some connections grab her. Englehart is having a so-so Meet, and I am just waiting for him to break loose. Will it be 3 in-a-row? I think so …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Bourbon Mission #9, 6/1):

Looking for some value on this Friday, I am keen on this 6-yr-old gelding by Mission Impazible. His best attributes are the class drop, and the addition of bug boy, Jose Gomez. In particular, his riding has inspired many a pundit to sit-up and take notice. With the weight relief (116.7), and trainer Rudy Rodriguez’s spotting ability, there could be a victory coming along in this race. Let’s see if this sprinter can take advantage of a field like this one, and score for a barn that is going well right now (21% winners during the Meet).

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #9 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Dirt, 6F, MSW80k, 3F):

In this turn-and-burn down the backstretch at the “Big A,” we have some young fillies that are looking to make their mark. If all drawn in, then it should make for an excellent betting race. I am looking to take on the M/L favorite from Linda Rice’s establishment, Tap N Glo #7. The former Brad Cox runner was last seen at Saratoga back in August, and could be sharp coming off-the-bench. I am going to think that isn’t the case, and instead back a runner like Chad Brown’s Exxaltress #5. I like the fact that she now has her debut in the rearview mirror, and her conditioner’s numbers look impressive when it comes to … “blinkers off,” 1st time Lasix, and 2nd career race. She is going to be my “key” horse … Others that can fill out a Superfecta ticket also include, Orlando Noda’s Charlottesometimes #8. Not only is this filly by Speightster going to get 1st time Lasix, but she is going to get Dylan Davis in the irons. Even though the last time we saw her in a MSW Co. contest @AQU it was almost dead last, I think she can rebound at a price—12/1. Let’s use her in here, but also include Jim Ryerson’s Cupids Girl #6 because she could be a player after running just a few weeks ago. Her fitness looks to be strong compared to the others that are assembled here. Let’s hope this fearsome foursome are ready to run!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 5 w 6/7/8 w 6/7/8 w 6/7/8

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