Aqueduct Picks: Wager Our Last Buck in R7 on April 21

Fun fact ... NYRA spends more time at Aqueduct Racetrack than any other venue ... Its Spring Meet is gearing down, heading towards the finish! The turf blankets are off, and although the weather does not always cooperate, wagering opportunities are aplenty. Cruising into this final weekend of racing, we have 8 on the schedule, so enjoy! With Belmont just around the corner ... it will not be long now ...

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 !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Sweet Sugar Baby #5, 4/1):

Trainer Jeff Englehart sends this lightly-raced filly back to “The Big A” for another attempt against state bred MC25k. Off-the-shelf last time on 3 April, this 3-yr-old ended up 3rd against 6 others. Getting Dylan Davis aboard once again is a plus, but let’s face it, Englehart is having a strong Meet. Mission Impazible continues to be a Top Ten “Leading Sire” in New York too. If this runner is anywhere close to 4/1, I think that qualifies as an overlay. Let’s bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: American Rule #7, 8/1):

There is much to like about this ridgling by Bernardini that is trained by Orlando Noda. Claimed in early February, his new conditioner has tried a couple of different Clm levels, but clearly the last one (Clm20k) suited nicely. That was a frontrunning victory for the Sunny Jim Stable, and if he can replicate that kind of control on the engine, then he might have a chance to repeat with another score. It is not going to be easy, what with some other speed signed on here, and the hike in class. However, I like the addition of well-travelled rider Jose Ortiz. His numbers continue to look strong, and if he can get loose … The price looks right at 8/1, or maybe, if we are lucky, even higher.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #7 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC80kn3x, 3+):

The “feature” on this opening Thursday is a tough OC80k, and to magnify things, it has the additional condition of “non-winners of 3.” I am sure that Steve Asmussen’s Jaxon Traveler #2, Chad Brown’s Cost Basis #3, and Rudy Rodriguez’s Big Engine #6 will all take the bulk of the money “to-win” in this spot. Frankly, I do not care for any of them. Asmussen’s entry has experience, but the Munnings colt is awfully streaky. Shipping in from Laurel, he is going to have a tough time of it against these NYRA members. Brown’s charges always are well-bet, but that isn’t a prerequisite to wager on them each time. In his ’22 debut, he missed late in the game against rival, Big Engine #6. Don’t forget that last year, this Into Mischief sprinter needed a handful of races to notch a win against “non-winners of 2.” In other words, I do not really have a sense of how good he truly is … As for the “Rudy Rod” play, this former Linda Rice 7-yr-old is dropping back from running in a “Non-G” at Laurel in mid-March. The race just before that, he passed with flying colors, but it was just a hot pace that day that really set him up in the end. I am not sure that Trevor McCarthy will get that sweet a deal this time around. When it comes to a top pick, I am keen to back Michelle Nevin’s Our Last Buck #5. Talk about a class selection … A gelding by Courageous Cat, his form is chock full with “Non-G” appearances, and I think the “relief” today spells victory. The hot riding bug boy, Jose Gomez, gets the call, and his piloting has outmatched his age. With the 3rd start in this current cycle, he could be the pick at a square price … 8/1 … That might not happen, but this one is worth supporting. Here is my Trifecta Wheel recommendation!  

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

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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 !!!