Aqueduct Picks: Sharp's I'm Fine the pick on April 2

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack's Spring Meet is off-and-running! That means turf racing will return next week ...

As for the Derby Trail, it is coming to a head. After last month's Gotham S. (G2), 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 3: I’m Fine #5, 2/1):

The good folks at Highlander Training Center own this mare by Blame … They switched conditioners last year, making the move from Jeremiah Englehart over to Joe Sharp. Her new trainer brought her down from NYRA to the Fair Grounds, and she tried a number of different races both on the dirt and the turf. Running against non-state bred company like that gave her some good experience, and now she returns to the North ready to take on the locals once again. She should find this spot much easier. I always like it when Sharp comes to NYRA because most bettors overlook him.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Irresistible Girl #5, 9/2):

A former member of Brad Cox’s and Rich Schosberg’s barns, this filly by Tapiture was picked up by Ray Handal last year. She was on-the-shelf until early February, when she returned to the work tab. Handal is particularly efficient at bringing runners back into form, and you know when you wager on his stock, that they will be well-prepped. This mare of Handal’s gets Dylan Davis, and his superb riding abilities. Her price will probably be impacted by that fact, but I am banking on the layoff to drive many a bettor away. Yet, another nice find on this Saturday card …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 1 Mile, OC62.5kn2x, 3+):

Instead of breaking down the Excelsior S. (Race 8), which has a very short field (w/a pair of Todd Pletcher runners), I think this action is much better. The 1-turn affair is a pretty evenly matched affair, and you could make a case for any of these 6 entries. The favorite might end up being Chad Brown’s Sound Money #4. A colt by Flatter, this 4-yr-old was just beat at the wire last time out in a similar contest. Kendrick Carmouche did everything right, except win. When a horse hits-the-board 6/8 times in his career, that makes him a logical choice, but I am not sure that his price is going to be even remotely an overlay. I am not against this Klaravich investment, but I much prefer the form of Bill Mott’s Secret Rules #1. This gelding by Secret Circle was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale, and is making his 3rd start in the current form cycle. That bodes well for a score, and Mott is going with the young/talented Jose Gomez. I think this Mott runner will have a much better time of it than his last 2 races. Let’s use the rest of the field underneath these 2 picks, and try to cash a nice Trifecta ticket!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 1 w 4 w 2/3/5/6

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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 !!!