The British Horse Racing Authority released their World Rankings for 2009, with Zenyatta the top ranked U.S. based runner, tied for fourth on the list.
The top ranked horse was Sea of Stars, with seems like a well deserved honor. The colt earned a 136 for his victory in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion on Sept. 5.
Goldikova, the Breeders’ Cup Mile winner was second on the list, earning a figure of 130 for her win in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard Jacques Le Marois on Aug. 16.
Rip Van Winkle, who was soundly beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Classic was third on the list, earning a figure of 129 for his win in the Coral Eclipse/BGC Sussex.
Zenyatta (128) is the highest rated North American racemare since Inside Information (129) romped home by thirteen lengths in the 1995 Breeders Cup Distaff .
The mare was ranked one pound higher than Rachel Alexandra, who earned a 127 for her victories in the Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose, and Haskell Invitational.
The only other U.S. based runner to crack the top ten was Gio Ponti at 125.
Other notable U.S. based runners were Presious Passion (12th, 124), Well Armed (12th, 124), Summer Bird (15th, 123), and Mine That Bird (19th, 122).
When perusing the list, one things seems blatantly obvious: The Brits don’t give us much respect, do they?
I like today’s Big A card. We have several vulnerable favorites to go along with several live longshots.
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 Hcp $15,000s (12:30 ET)
#8 Successful Sarah 3/1
#7 Sun Shower 12/1
#6 Quiet Mover 5/2
#4 French Song 8/1
Analysis: #8 Successful Sarah exits the same race as four others in here and they all are coming back with just a week off and stretching out to a route. Our top pick checked in third, making a mild late run to finish 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner over an inner surface that was slightly speed favoring with the inside paths the place to be. The mare is making her third start of her current form cycle and the stretch out will suit as she is 4 for 8 at the distance.
#7 Sun Shower ships in from the Big M where he faced Alw-1 company in her last two starts and ran into repeat winners. Last out he was a distant third behind Starship Angel, who came back to beat Alw-2 foes here on Jan. 8. She is usually in the mix and the 12/1 ML looks more than fair.
Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 2/1 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 4,6,7,8
TRI: 7,8 / 4,6,7,8 / 2,4,6,7,8
Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 8 Alw $43,000N1X (3:49 ET)
#4 Tranquil Manner 7/2
#1 Ricoriatoa 3/1
#3 Web Gem 9/2
#8 Regents Ridge 4/1
Analysis: #4 Tranquil Manner was off a step slow and made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out in the mud, beaten a half length for the top spot. The colt is making his third start of his current form cycle for the McLaughlin barn and the colt broke his maiden on the inner back in January with a last to first move. He looks like he is sitting on a good one here and just needs to see some pace in front of him.
#1 Ricoriatoa is returning off a two month break and making his first start for the Galluscio barn that is 26% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim. The gelding was not a threat last out in the slop in a sixth place finish for a $60K tag. The winner of that race was Mt. Glittermore, who beat Alw-3 optional claimers in his next outing on Dec. 30. The runner up Mannington also won next out, taking a $40K claimer on Jan. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Draws the rail and has enough early zip to be in the mix early.
Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 5/2 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,3,4,8
TRI: 1,4 / 1,3,4,8 / 1,3,4,7,8
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
R1: #7 Sun Shower 12/1
R1: #4 French Song 8/1
R3: #3 Brook Dance 8/1
R4: #8 Bella Uno 10/1
R5: #5 Thunder Reigns 20/1
R6: #2 Game Token 10/1
R7: #6 Prince Raffie 10/1
Good luck today!
