Aqueduct Picks: Class dropper in R5 on February 27

With 2 minutes to post ... NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet streaming right along, despite some rainy and cold 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 ... We have 9 competitive races on tap today ...

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 Sunday 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 8: Secret Love #3, 5/1):

Back in 2021, this filly by Not This Time, for the most part, ran nicely in some tough “Non-G” Co. She moved from an AOC event to win the Franklin Square Stakes at Aqueduct that January. Other races followed, and by the end of May, it was time for John Kimmel to shut her down. Now, she comes off the shelf, ready for action. I like her in this spot because the field is not tough at all, and she gets the experience of Trevor McCarthy. It will be great to see her maturity and progression. As to the question of “readiness,” she has obviously been working towards a return; not missing one 4F clocking in the past 2 months.   

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Spun d’Etat #6, 5/1):

At the claiming levels, you can back a runner that is going up the class ladder or going down … some maintain the same, of course. In Race 5, I am going to back Ralph D’Alessandro’s filly by Hard Spun. She was an Ed Barker trainee that was in way over her head running in OC62.5k with conditions. Her new barn tried to continue that heading, and once again, they came upon some rocky shoals. Coming to their senses, this one is getting some much-needed class relief. With Trevor McCarthy in the saddle, and a strong level of fitness in-tow, I think she is a good wager. The question will be, how much is she going to be bet down … I am sure other ‘cappers will recognize this angle …

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC62.5kn2x, 4+):

 One of the best races in North America on Sunday might be this tough sprint going 6F … A high-level conditioned OC contest, there are several storylines that are worth looking into here. Several ‘cappers will recognize the name of trainer Juan Vazquez, who has come under fire for poor practices. His gelding Repo Rocks #1 will be formidable, and backed at the windows based on the number he posted last out in the G3 Toboggan S. (2nd). With Ruben Silvera aboard again, there is no question that this gelding can get to the winner’s circle. I am against this entry, and will seek some value instead. Going right next door, I really like the look of Oscar Barrera’s Fast Getaway #2. Ridden by the excellent Jackie Davis, this 7-yr-old is not without merit, as the gelding has competed against OC80k-types in his career. Davis is an aggressive rider, and her mount was claimed by Barrera from the barn of Mike Maker. These connections have a double-digit odds runner on their hands … and I like it. A couple of others that I can use on a ticket are Jeremiah O’Dwyer’s Sibelius #3 and George Weaver’s Peruvian Boy #5. Both of these entries won last time out, and they both could be forwardly placed. Let’s create a Superfecta Wheel bet that can bring all of these runners together. There is nothing like a well-matched field … betting aplenty!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta, 2 w 1/3/5 w 1/3/5 w 1/3/5

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 !!!