The week started off well on Wednesday at the Big A, with three winners on top on the nine race card, with six recommended exactas.
It was a fairly chalky day, with the biggest win mutual coming in the opening race when my second choice Magical Solution paid $10.20.
The exacta payoffs were $25.20, $66.50, $12.40, $7.90, $13.80, and $16.00.
We also had four recommended trifectas, with the biggest $1 payoff coming in at $122.00.
March Madness is right around the corner, and starts this Saturday for horse racing fans.
In addition to three key Kentucky Derby preps (The Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita, and the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs), we get to watch both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta prep for their showdown at Oaklawn Park on April 9 in the Apple Blossom Invitational (G1).
Rachel Alexandra faces four foes in the Fair Grounds Ladies, while Zenyatta takes on eight foes in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita.
Both appear to have their opponents outclassed and figure to be miniscule prices.
From a betting standpoint, I am more interested in handicapping the Derby preps, and I’ll selections for the three races right here in Saturday’s column.
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 $7,500N2Y (1:00 ET)
#6 Platinum Couple 6/1
#3 Man in Grey 9/5
#7 Mr. Serious 6/1
#4 Kamboo Man 3/1
#6 Platinum Couple drops out of an open $7.5K claimer where he was pinched back coming out of the gate and raced wide throughout over an inside speed favoring racing strip. He also caught a muddy surface and he has never run well on off tracks. He catches a fast track and reunites with Studart, who was aboard for his last win. Well spotted here facing non winners of two races in a year.
#3 Man in Grey dueled for the early lead and weakened in the stretch to finish third last out against open $7.5K foes. He drops into a softer spot here in his second start off a two month break
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 7/2 or better.
EX: 3,6 / 3,4,6,7
TRI: 3,6 / 3,4,6,7 / 3,4,5,,6,7
Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:
AQU Race 8 Dreamy Mimi S. (4:25 ET)
#6 Anchorage 7/2
#5 Shine Upon 3/1
#7 Speightful Affair 5/2
#4 Sharp Instinct 5/1
#6 Anchorage is coming off a runner up finish in the Busher where he set the early fractions, had a clear lead heading for home and was run down late, settling for second,. The filly caught an inner surface that was playing to outside stalkers and closers that day. She makes her third start of her current form cycle and if she shakes loose again, this group may not catch here.
#5 Shine Upon adds blinkers today after a good looking win last out against state bred Alw-1 foes to stay perfect in two starts. She has enough pedigree to handle the stretch out. She is by Congaree out of a Carson City mare. She still appears to have a ton of upside potential.
Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 2/1 or better.
EX: 5,6 / 4,5,6,7
TRI: 5,6 / 4,5,6,7 / 3,4,5,6,7
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
R2: #5 He Ain't Easy 12/1
R3: #3 Kid Tornado 12/1
R5: #2 Lookin At Her 12/1
R6: #2 Dixielore 10/1
R7: #1 Smarty Karakorum / #1a Karakorum On Black 8/1
Good luck today!
