Aqueduct Picks: Presidents' Day racing on February 21

Presidents' Day equates to horse racing ... several tracks around the country are running on this Monday.

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet in full swing. Despite some overt 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 ... Today, we have 8 races coming your way ...

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 Monday 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 6: Guns Blazing #7, 6/1):

I am convinced that this filly by Firing Line is a clear winner on the AQU Monday card. I will be betting her to “Win” because she has a number of attributes that look quite appealing. Oscar Barrera claimed this one for Three Player’s Stable and his outfit back in early December from Kelly Breen. She took on some excellent company on a class hike, and won all on the engine. Sprinting against a group with no conditions the next time in mid-January in a Clm25k was just too tough. She gets significant (not suspicious) relief this time, and the services once again of Jose Gomez. He is an aggressive bug that I have mentioned several times. One to watch … both the rider and his mount. I am going to make a big wager on this one … heading to the window!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

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

Coming to “The Big A” for the 1st time in early January, Pat Reynolds watched as his gelding hit the gate and ejected his rider, C. Rodriguez. It was an inauspicious start to the ’22 campaign. This son of Giant Surprise, should be worth a wager, and I know will have better luck this time around. With new rider Trevor McCarthy aboard, he has the class to take on an MC field like this. Some view a gate exit like this as a poor showing … it’s not. Maybe the M/L of 4/1 will float upwards. I am hoping for it … come on tote!  

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, Maddie May S., 100k, 3F NY Breds):

The “feature” on this Prez card is the Maddie May, and some young fillies are going to try and win the day. I would check the track conditions, and make sure that all is well. You never know in New York this time of year. This edition of the “May” came up remarkably tough, and this should be an excellent betting race, as 8 go forward. The filly to watch on the tote is going to be Bill Mott’s Yo Cuz #8. By Laoban, she won the high-level NY Stallion S. $500k back in mid-December over the late-running Morning Matcha. The question I have about that performance … was she running low on gas down the lane, or did she show true mettle, repelling her pursuers? Hard to say … What we do know is that she has had 3 works of late (all quite pedestrian), and Jose Ortiz flies into re-take this mount. I would not be at all surprised if she won this race, based on the fact this is Mott we are speaking of. If she has a rival in this spot, then clearly it is the Baker Barn’s Stone Creator #1. I like this filly by Creative Cause, and she certainly broke her maiden in compelling style. The 5-length score was against 6 others in MSW70k state co. at a short price, so take that for what it is worth. The able-bodied Kendrick Carmouche gets the call again, and he knows how to make key decisions when it counts. One other entry that warrants consideration … using Dylan Davis’ mount, Thinking it Over #5, deserves inclusion because trainer Ray Handal is having a great Meet. That fact, coupled with a nice 3rd place finish in the Franklin Square $100K, makes me a believer. Let’s use Baker’s on top, and roll the other 2 I mentioned underneath. What a race … hey, Washington, I know you liked a gamble, who ya got?

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 1/5/8

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Enjoy some holiday racing from the “Big A!” Best of luck on another run at Aqueduct! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!