Aqueduct Picks: Full slate for the Claiming Championship Series on March 26

The call to the post ... it's here on Saturday for the Claiming Championship Series! Time to follow the outriders!  NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet wrapping up this Sunday, despite battling tough weather spots. 

As for the Derby Trail, it is heating up, now that the Gotham S. (G2) now complete. That means that the Wood Memorial S. (G2) is just 2 weeks away. We have 10 competitive "stakes" 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 Saturday 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: Baby I’m Perfect #8, 7/2):

Here is a consistent “Claiming” horse that now gets a shot in the tougher “Claiming Championship Series” … or is it? Wayne Potts continues to have a strong Meet in Ozone Park, and simultaneously at Oaklawn Park. This gelding by Flower Alley is a transfer coming up from Arkansas after running in a tough Starter Allowance down in Hot Springs. That race was probably tougher than this one because races down there at this level are really wide-open affairs. The 3rd place runner in that race, Cumberland Avenue, just came back and won nicely @OP, for instance. With a pair of AQU races under his saddle already, I am sure that Potts has this one ready to fire. He would not haul In Front Stables’ runner all the way up to New York for nothing. Dylan Davis gets the mount, and he is riding with a ton of confidence.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #8

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Smile Bryan #3, 6/1):

Coming into this “starter” stakes, I like the last out performance by Mike Miceil’s 6-yr-old by Goldencents. Even though that was a turf race that took place back in early December, this one should be rested and ready to compete. With a steady work tab over at Belmont, his maturity over these past few months could win out against a group like this one. Manny Franco rode her back at Belmont, and he is making a late run for the Winter Meet riding title. At odds of 6/1, or higher, this one could be a great price come post time.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, Caixa Electronica S, $80k, 4+):

One of the many highlights on this Saturday card at “The Big A” is this race, an $80k “Non-G” event for older males. This should be a street fight between these 8 runners, and it looks like a pretty evenly-matched field. When it comes to class, I think Juan Vazquez’s Repo Rocks #5 will get bet down from 9/2 into oblivion. I could be wrong, but I think the fact that this gelding by Tapiture was up against the likes of Officiating and Chateau in the G3 Tom Fool H. last time, will sway many a bettor. I don’t want any part of this runner because I am not sure he is a sound play. Looking for value elsewhere seems like a much better idea. For my top selection, I decided to back Rob Atras’ Prince James #1. I am going to hope that this Tiznow 5-yr-old will get overlooked on the tote come Saturday. Manny Franco rides this one for a hot barn that always seems to deliver a sound race. The conditioner got aggressive with his new claim last time, sending him into an OC62.5n2x race after primarily competing in Claiming Co. Franco has some strong ability of late, and I am hoping that his mount will end up being 4/1 when they enter the gate. What his price is after they exit is perhaps a different story … but hope springs eternal. Here is the ice-cold wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 1 w 5

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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 !!!