Aqueduct Picks: Quality Stones, a quality class drop on April 7

"The Big A" cranks up another week of racing ... it's the Spring Meet! With rain in the forecast, we will have to wait and see how that impacts the turf. Stay tuned ...

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Aqueduct Racetrack Picks - Thursday, April 7, 2022

Race 1: 2(MTO)-8-5-1-3
Race 2: 4-5-1-2
Race 3: 3-1-5-6
Race 4: 12(MTO)-6-5(MTO)-10
Race 5: 5-2-8-1
Race 6: 6-8-3-5
Race 7: 5(MTO)-3(MTO)-9(MTO)-4
Race 8: 4-1/1A-10-5
**Most Likely: No Burn #3 (Race 3)**
**Best Value: Quality Stones #6 (Race 6)**

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack's Spring Meet is off! That means turf racing will return very soon ... although the weather on Thursday might not be cooperating very well. In other words, we could be off-the-turf.

As for the Derby Trail, it is coming to a head. After last month's Gotham S. (G2), the Wood Memorial S. (G2) is this Saturday! Plus, do not forget all of the other NYRA stakes competition too. We have 8 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!

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Thursday 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 !!!

Horse Racing Picks

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: No Burn #3, 8/5):

With the first day of turf racing at “The Big A” probably ending up a wash with the rain coming, it is probably a good plan to focus on the races that will certainly make the dirt. Trainer Rob Atras always comes with a strong hand, and he is looking to build on what was a good Winter Meet. Pairing with Dylan Davis, I cannot see how anyone can rival the class of this gelding by Declaration of War. A former Mott runner that competed at the ALLW levels for Bill Morey, I like his ability to rate just off the lead, and then swoop-in to finish the job. Davis was the leading rider during the Winter, and expect him to pick up where he left off.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Quality Stones #6, 5/1):

I liked this mare by Quality Road when she competed last time in a “Non-G” at Aqueduct at the end of March. Awesome Indra was my final selection (she won), but this Ed DeLauro runner was one of those boxcar-priced entries that you dream of being on. Lucky for me, I have kept tabs on when/where she would show next. Dropping back into this spot seems more than appropriate, and I like the addition of Luis Cardenas, who I am hoping will get back to his prior form. It wasn’t long ago this 5-yr-old was running at this class level, and she almost swiped one in late February. If I could get 5/1, then that would be a pretty square price.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Dirt, 1 Mile, Clm40kn2L, 3+):

Taking a gander at this Claimer, you will notice that Linda Rice has the M/L favorite in Cousteau #2. Exploring the background of this runner, you will notice that the colt by Into Mischief is making his 2nd start for his new barn after running in an ALLW50k last time. Even though he ended up 3rd with Kendrick Carmouche in the irons, that doesn’t mean he cannot arrive in this spot, and circle the field. I am not sure the 2/1 is all that inviting and Rice isn’t exactly firing right now … with others in here that spark an interest, we can find some value elsewhere. Speaking of entries that are dropping, I much prefer John Kimmel’s Blu Grotto #5. Here is a colt by Bodemeister, owned by Dennis Drazin, that should be thankful to be up against a group like this one. After 6 misses in Starter Allowance races, it was time to make a move. Getting Trevor McCarthy back as pilot makes me even more confident that the 4-yr-old can win. If it’s an off-track, expect horse-rider to be poised to strike the front when the top of the lane arrives. As for one other entry that should help round out this ticket, how about the past form of Patrick Reynolds’ Remembermom #8? The Giant Surprise gelding did not get the chance to cruise out in the open in a similar on 11 March, but that could change this time around. The savvy youth, Jose Gomez, gets the call, replacing Dylan Davis … I like this one’s chances, and his odds of 8/1 on the M/L. Here is the wager …

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

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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 !!!