I wrote last week that I had started to hear some rumblings about Zenyatta racing in 2010, and the speculation is on the increase, including a front page article in Friday’s Daily Racing Form.

The mare put in her third workout in the last six weeks on Jan. 6, going four furlongs in :48.00. She put in works on Dec. 21 and Dec. 7.

If Rachel Alexandra happens to win Horse of the Year on Jan. 18, would that be enough incentive for owner Jerry Moss and trainer John Shirreffs to bring the undefeated mare back for more?

That is a possibility, which means we could see the Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta showdown everyone is clamoring for.

The most logical spot for a meeting might be a stake at Gulfstream Park in February, or perhaps in April at Oaklawn Park.

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I’m thinking right now it is a longshot, but if Zenyatta comes up short at the Eclipse Awards on Jan. 18, the odds of seeing her return to the track would go up.

With the Kentucky Derby still four months away, a showdown between the two most well known thoroughbreds would certainly be a good way to start the year.

We got off to a good start in 2010 at the Big A, but for the first time this year, I failed to turn a profit with my top picks on Thursday.

A new streak starts today.

To purchase my full card report for Aqueduct that includes analysis, selections, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for today, click here.

Here is today's opening race from Aqueduct to get our day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Clm $12,500 (12:58 ET)
#7 Stungbythestorm 3/1
#2 Missing Blue / #2b Angelic Aura 6/1
#5 Quip 5/2
#6 Fuhrever Dancing 9/2

Analysis: #7 Stungbythestorm dropped down the class ladder pretty quick considering he won an Alw-3 optional claimer back in July. Last out he was jammed in for a $7.5K tag and he had no trouble winning at that level, his first trip on the inner. The gelding should get a good trip sitting just off what likely is going to be a lively early pace. Ramon is back and this gelding looks capable of winning right back for the Asmussen barn that has been sending out live runners at the meet.

#2 Missing Blue makes his first start for the Jacobson barn that is 15% winners first off the claim. The gelding was taken for $16K out of a turf race and has not been on the main track since May of '08 where he was third for a $12K tag in a race taken off the turf. The gelding seldom runs a bad one and the trainer is 27% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from turf to dirt. Entry mate #2b Angelic Aura beat $12.5K non winners of a race in six months last out. He makes his third start off the bench and I like the jock switch to Chuckie as Cohen continues to be poison to our bankroll at this meet.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 2/1 or better.
EX: 2,7 / 2,5,6,7
TRI: 2,7 / 2,5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,7

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 OClm $50,000N2X (3:49 ET)
#1 Cape Cod Girl 3/1
#3 Salt Water Reign 5/1
#9 Starship Angel 7/2
#6 McVictory 9/2

Analysis: #1 Cape Cod Girl was beaten at 4/5 last out, setting the early fractions and handling on gamely, beaten 3/4 of a length for the top spot in the mud versus Alw-3 optional claimers. The five year old mare drops a notch in class and won at this condition three back in NJ. She owns the edge in early and mid pace numbers and fits well in this spot.

#3 Salt Water Reign made a mild late rally to finish third last out at this condition in her first go off a five month layoff. She has done her best work sprinting but looks capable at least pedigree wise to handle a mile. She has run well on the inner (9-4-1-3) and should be tighter for her second start off the bench.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 2/1 or better.
EX: 1,3 / 1,3,6,9
TRI: 1,3 / 1,3,6,9 / 1,3,5,6,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R6: #7 Caldron 8/1
R7: #5 Royal Valentine 15/1
R9: #9 Remorse 15/1

Good luck today!