Sunday’s Picks from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

15 minute read

Saturday ended in frustration much like it started as my top pick in the Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds had to settle for the runner up spot.

My top pick in the Road to the Kentucky Derby points race was Proxy who went off at a generous 9-1. The colt could not get to the gate to wire winner Midnight Bourbon, who returned $9.40 as my fourth choice. The $2 exacta paid $66.00. The 4-5 chalk Mandalouon had to settle for third.

The day at Aqueduct started with a big carryover in the early Pick 5. I thought I had things figured out, but I failed to use the 2-1 morning line favorite Beautiful Karen in the opener, who was bet down to 8-5 and went on to win by 2 ¼ lengths and sending me packing.

My personal bankroll took a hit yesterday, but the great thing about horse racing is the action never stops and we are back at it this afternoon.

My Best Plays Report for Sunday includes my eight strongest plays from Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park.

You can stream the action from Aqueduct today on YouTube or by using the TVG App. The horse betting company based in the U.S. is offering a 50% deposit match up to $250 .  In addition, AmWager is offering up to a $500 bonus for new horseplayers.

To purchase my Aqueduct and Best Plays Reports for Sunday click here .

Now is the perfect time to purchase my Monthly Package. It gives you a month of Aqueduct Reports daily and my Best Plays Report each Saturday and Sunday.

Here is the opener from Aqueduct to get the day off to a good start:

AQUEDUCT RACE 1 ANALYSIS (12:20 P.M. ET)

Race 1 Md Sp Wt

• #4 Too Boss 6-5
• #2 Khafre 8-5
• #1 Repo Rocks 4-1
• #5 Highland Beach 8-1

Analysis: Too Boss tracked the early pace and was no match for the winner who was a Clement firster. The colt was 6 1/4 lengths clear of the rest of the field in the effort. He returns with lasix added for Pletcher who is 23% winners with second out maidens. The colt is by El Padrino and the first foal to race out of a Posse mare. Carmouche sticks and he should over forward enough with a race under his belt to get the job done here as the chalk in the opener.

Khafre is a $500,000 Keeneland purchase making his debut for the Jerkens barn that is showing a 1 for 12 mark with first timers. Dating back three years the trainer is 3 for 51 with debut runners. This colt is by American Pharoah out of a Street Cry mare that has dropped three foals to race, all winners, top earner stakes winner Plentiful ($165,218).

GULFSTREAM PARK RACE 6 ANALYSIS (2:40 P.M. ET)

Race 6 Md $50,000

• #3 Yes It's Free 9-2
• #5 Vegas Weekend 7-2
• #1 Uncaptured Heart 3-1
• #7 Montana Pretty 5-1

Analysis: Yes It's Free returns off a four month break after a runner up finish in her debut at 5-2. The filly acted up a bit pre race, was away last in a six horse field and came with a five wide run to rally up for the runner up spot. The three behind her have each come back to graduate since this race and they have all run well versus winners. The barn is showing a 2 for 9 mark (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a 61–180-day break. She is out of a Yes It's True mare that has dropped three other runners, all winners.

Vegas Weekend pressed the early pace and was no match for the winner in a runner up finish last out. The winner Shine Empire as beaten just a neck against starter optional claimers in her next start and the third-place finisher Taylor's Chrome was a next out grad at Laurel Park. She also was second two back at Delaware Park for a $40,000 tag, beaten just half-length. Paco sticks for Breen and these do not look quite as tough as she faced in her last pair.

AQUEDUCT RACE 8 ANALYSIS (3:50 P.M. ET)

Race 8 The Ladies Handicap

• #4 Miss Marissa 7-2
• #7 Thankful 5-2
• #1 Lucky Move 4-1
• #2 Smooth With a Kick 3-1

Analysis: Miss Marissa stalked the early pace while saving ground, made a middle move and then weakened to finish a well beaten sixth last out in the Comely (G3) where Mrs. Danvers drew away to win by 6 1/4 lengths over a racing strip that was kind to speed The Ryerson trainee won the Black Eyed Susan (G2) two back at Pimlico at nine furlongs. She prompted the early pace, opened up heading for home and held on to win by a neck over Bonny South. She earned a solid number in that win and in her win three back versus Alw-2 optional claimers at the Spa also at nine furlongs. There is not much speed in here with Bridlewood Cat likely to go on Saturday at Laurel Park. Lezcano should be able to control things early and this gal looks tough in this spot.

Thankful was third in the Comely last out which was her stakes debut. She broke her maiden three back in her third career start coming at the Spa going nine furlongs. She then was a game winner versus Alw-1 foes at Belmont Park going a mile in her first start against winners. She beat Mrs. Danvers in that win but was no match for her last out. The $670,000 purchase still looks as if she has some upside and fits here. With Carmouche up she figures to be forwardly placed.

Lucky Move comes in off back to back win versus state bred. She won the Empire Classic two back and last out took the Bay Ridge at today's distance. The speed fig came up a bit on the light side but the runner up Mrs. Orb came back to win the state bred La Verdad in her next start increasing her figure by 15 points. Carmouche is off to stick with the Pletcher trainee which is no real surprise. This gal has landed in the exacta in 5 of her 8 career trips at today's distance.

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: #5 Highland Beach 8-1
• R4: #5 Not a Problem 10-1
• R5: #7 Sky Kitten 12-1
• R6: #7 Black ‘n Tan 8-1
• R7: #8 Jack Bo 8-1
• R7: #1 Him She Kisses 12-1

Good luck today!

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