Aqueduct Picks: Haynesfield S. set on March 20

The call to the post ... point 'em that way ... Time to head to the gate! 

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet pointing towards the last weeks of racing, despite battling tough weather conditions. 

As for the Derby Trail, it is going critical, now that the Gotham S. (G2) is in the books. That tells us that the Wood Memorial S. (G2) is on the verge. Plus, don't forget about all of the other NYRA stakes competition that is coming as well. We have 10 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 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 7: Lil Commissioner #4, 3/1):

Trainer Rob Atras has quietly had a solid AQU Winter Meet. Right now, he is at roughly 24% winners … not bad for some 120 starts, eh? I think he has a winner for sure in this spot, and his 7-yr-old gelding should romp against this field. The veteran runner is coming off a nice little break, and with the steady hand of Kendrick Carmouche, the team should be able to marshal a win. This one is making quite a drop in class, and that is a catalyst for a victory.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Air Show #5, 10/1):

In a tough Starter Allowance like this one, you want to try and find some superb value where you can. This is one of those races where anyone … and I mean anyone … can win this contest. I am wanting to go “long,” and I found an entry that could be a sleeper pick. This gelding by Street Sense tried this level for Orlando Noda last time, and it was his 1st start off-the-claim. He did not run poorly (4th), especially considering his previous 3 races were in the Claiming ranks. Getting young Jalon Samuel to ride is not necessarily a knock, but he is going to have to catch the break early. If he can, this nicely priced runner will make for a great score.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 Mile, Haynesfield S., $100k, 4+ NY Breds):

The “feature” on this Sunday is a 1-turn event that is going to bring out a slugfest among these 6. State breds like these should be used to this type of arrangement, and the one to beat is Michelle Nevin’s well-tested sprinter, My Boy Tate #3. The 8-yr-old gelding just continues to be the shortest price, each and every time he takes to the track. In this division of NY “Non-Gs” he has a devastating kick that is at-the-ready. With Manny Franco aboard, once again, the son of Boys At Tosconova could be in the winner’s circle for the 2nd time this year. I already know that I want to try and beat Nevin’s ace, but it is going to take a major effort from my top selection. Steve Asmussen has a small NY Stable, but it is backed by a machine that stretches throughout the Southwest Circuit. Chestertown #6, owned partially by West Point Thoroughbreds, looks to have some budding skills. The gelding by Tapit was up against Nevin in the Say Florida Sandy S., and he ended up off-the-board. Coming back to “The Big A,” he easily won an OC62.5kn2x event in early February. This is his moment to shine, and with the services of Jose Lezcano (his 5th time aboard), I like this one’s chances. It will not be easy, as I mentioned, because Gary Sciacca’s Lobsta #4 is also coming back to play. This salty son of Emcee is a rival of Nevin’s charge, and was 2nd in the Say Florida Sandy S. back in early January. He is a tough customer, and his regular rider, Javier Castellano is in-town to take the mount. My plan is to include all 3 of these entries, and construct a Trifecta ticket … this is going to be a wonderful race to wager and watch!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 3/4/6

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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 !!!