Aqueduct Picks: Mott's SoCal shipper South Street on February 24

NYRA’s Aqueduct Racetrack has their Winter Meet moving right along. Despite some overt 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 ... Today, we have 8 races for your betting enjoyment ...

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!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: South Street #4, 3/1):

The Wygods brought this ridgling by Quality Road over from John Shirreffs to Bill Mott. That is a pair of conditioners with major star power, and such a wonderful history behind them. Now, Mott takes the reigns for the 1st time, and his new homebred has much to prove. Out in SoCal against some tough MSW Co. (including Baffert’s Barossa), the 3-yr-old exhibited some nice late turn-of-foot. Mott only has 1 work with the runner so far, but that doesn’t mean his charge cannot come into a spot like this one and be at a disadvantage. The able-bodied Jose Lezcano gets the call, and I like his style. With 2nd time Lasix, expect this one to score. Hopefully, we could get 3/1 … eternal and all that …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Son of an Ex #2, 8/1):

The 1-turn mile is a staple at the AQU Meet, and this state bred race came up particularly tough. That means that there should be some prices to be had, and I like a runner from the barn of Randi Persaud. In a pair of starts for this outfit, the gelding by Effinex was impressive. Moving from a MSW70k to ALLW72k, the 4-yr-old rallied nicely, despite a slow start. That was 1 1/18th that he travelled in distance, which showed his connection to Mineshaft in his bloodline. Now, on the cutback, he could be ready for another win. I like the spot, and the choice of young Heman Harkie … chance for this fellow to add to his haul during the Meet. Bet this one, especially at odds of over 6/1.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC80kn3x, F&M 4+):

The “feature” on this Thursday is this 6F sprint that has 7 going forward. I am sure bettors will like the look of Bill Mott’s Aunt Kat #4, since she is logical having run at this level back on 23rd Jan. She was up against some tough runners then, and in the end didn’t have the opportunity to hold a tenuous spot up front. Her speed figs were impressive though, and now Mott has to make the change from Jose Ortiz (who is @GP) to Dylan Davis. The runner that actually finished ahead of Mott’s was Linda Rice’s Its Cold in Dehere #5. The mare was pretty game at odds of 8/1, and I still like her as much as I did last time. Jose Lezcano has the call, and the 6-yr-old by Ice Box should be in the thick of it in the end. One other entry that is worth a strong look, is from Jim Ferraro’s stock … the filly by Flat Out, Easy to Bless #6. She is a sprint specialist that is in form, after an impressive score against OC62.5k Co. earlier this month. She won by 7-lengths that day, and that is why she deserves respect here. My nod probably goes to Mott’s entry, but I want to use all of these in a Trifecta Box … let’s go to the window!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 4/5/6

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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 !!!