Aqueduct Picks: Motion's Highland Chief a leader on April 14

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack's Spring Meet just passed the Wood Memorial marker and is turning for home! Grass racing has returned too, and although the weather has not cooperated at the beginning, the excitement is building ... We have 9 competitive races scheduled, so enjoy! With Belmont 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 8: Highland Chief #5, 9/2):

Trainer Graham Motion, a conditioner based along the PA/MD border, had quite a weekend running at Keeneland. He is also entered at Aqueduct because the purse structure is quite sound this time of year at NYRA. Like a number of trainers that are based in the U.S., Motion has his share of “imports” that come to compete in North America. This well-bred son of Gleneagles (IRE) has 10 races under his saddle already, and he’s been pretty consistent over that time … going 2-2-2 … Based at Fair Hill since the start of the year, he could make a nice splash against what should be easier company. After all, he participated in the Coral Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom in early June of ’21. Trevor McCarthy gets the call, and he is looking for his 1st green victory of the season.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Openthegate #6, 6/1):

Taking a chance against a heavily-favored Chad Brown entry on the AQU turf might not appear to be a very good idea, but I beg to differ. Sure, Klaravich’s own is getting a class break after running against MSW Co., but I much prefer Peter Walder’s filly by Arrogate. Not only is she going to be a fair price at 6/1 (if she doesn’t get bet down), but the services of Javier Castellano are welcome. A former member of Bill Mott’s barn, Walder raced her a couple of times at Gulfstream Park. Even though one of those was an off-track event, she could come to Aqueduct (a grass course she has tried before) and spring the upset. I like her chances. The only kind of wager here is a “win” bet, so it is time to solidify one’s gumption … let’s spin the wheel!

Wagering Recommendation: $100, Win, #6

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, OC62.5n2x, F&M 3+):

A staple of the Winter Meet … it carries over to the brief Spring one … Now, a short field of 5 with the scratch of Exotic West, there are still plenty of options, and ways to turn a profit. Strong opinions need apply … Solely based on the bloodline, it is a good bet that Mark Casse’s Make Mischief #2 will take significant money, and probably be the favorite at race time. That is somewhat warranted, especially considering this filly was up against some tough fields last year (8 Belles, Acorn, Mother Goose, etc.) … but October was the last time we saw the Gary Barber-owned runner. Even with the accomplished Dylan Davis in the irons, I want to try and beat her. It will not be easy, but I sure like the look of Chad Brown’s Default Protection #1 I am not sure this filly by Quality Road will be the best price on the tote in the end, but Eric Cancel has the ability to guide her to certain victory. She is moving up in class for Klaravich Stables, but her move from MSW to ALLW Co. went very well last time. She could be a major player on the NYRA Circuit this summer, and is just getting warmed up. One other entry that looks promising is Shug McGaughey’s Cafe Society #6. As a transfer student from South Florida, this filly by Empire Maker returns to an oval that she knows well … half of her races have taken place at “The Big A.” When Jose Ortiz and McGaughey get together, they can form a strong pairing … look for this one to be in-the-money for Allen Stable. The bet is …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 1 w 2 w 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 !!!