(Note: This has been updated with two Duane Colucci picks after early scratches.)
The Breeders’ Cup was over a month ago, but our crew continues to look at value at racetracks from coast to coast.
On Saturday, I have plays in two early stakes at Aqueduct, Duane Colucci and Ed Sehon each has a play apiece at Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct (plus Sehon gives a Late Pick 4 at Gulfstream) and John Lauro takes us out West for a 10-1 spot play at Los Alamitos.
Good luck today (and every day!).
SATURDAY
Aqueduct Race No. 4 (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT)
Dave Tuley likes #3 Brooklyn Strong (7-2 morning line) in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes. “This price isn’t as high as I usually like to bet, but this is where I saw it’s all about value as this is just a five-horse race so this is a fair price. Brooklyn Strong should be able to sit off the pace like he likes and then Joel Rosario is one of the best come-from-behind jockeys out there. With #1 Pickin’ Time (5-2), #2 Known Agenda (8-5) and #5 Ten for Ten (2-1) vying for favoritism, we’re hoping that ensures we get a fair price of 3-1 or better. Wager: Win.”
Gulfstream Park Race No. 5 (2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #9 Thinkin Cowtown (8-1 morning line). “This 7-year-old pro will put her tactical style on display against a dozen speedsters in five-furlong Claiming Crown Distaff Starter Stakes for sharp local conditioner Georgina Baxter (31% winners). Mare has home turf advantage, loves south Florida lawn (16-5-1-3), and attracts talented Tyler Gaffalione to get job done in the stretch. I’m Thinkin Cowtown victory. Wager: Win & Place.”
Aqueduct Race No. 6 (2:07 p.m. ET/11:07 a.m. PT)
Dave Tuley likes #2 Portal Creek (8-1 morning line) in the Grade 3 Go for Wand Stakes. “Former sprinter Portal Creek should be the speed of the speed breaking from the inside #2 post and noted speed jock Kendrick Carmouche should be able to set a decent pace with this 4-year-old filly but have enough to go wire-to-wire like she did last time out when stretching out to a mile for the first time. Wager: Win & Place.”
Gulfstream Park Race Nos. 8-11 (3:38 p.m. ET/12:38 p.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes the following $0.50 Pick 4 (cost $60)
Race 8: 1,5,7,10,12
Race 9: 5,11
Race 10: 1,9,11
Race 11: 1,3,7,8
Duane Colucci likes #1 Avant Garde (15-1 morning line) in the first leg, Race 8, the Claiming Crown Rapid Transit Stakes. “This gelding loves Gulfstream, winning 4-of-5 including 4 in a row. Should stalk the pace and get a nice trip. Regular rider Reyes knows the course and he and trainer Lander are currently hitting 86% win and a $8.31 ROI. Bet 1 to Win and key 1 over 2,5 & 10 in exactas and trifectas and reverse.”
Aqueduct Race No. 10 (4:13 p.m. ET/1:13 p.m. PT)
Ed Sehon likes #6 King Guillermo (9-2 morning line) in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap. “Lone 3-year-old takes on eight elders, including five millionaires, in classic test of speed and endurance. Son of super-sire Uncle Mo gets huge rider upgrade as Jose Ortiz stays home to ride lightly raced sophomore for trainer Juan Avila. Blistering four-furlong work (46 4/5) two weeks ago indicates he’s fit and fast. Crown the King. Wager: Win”
Duane Colucci likes #1 Performer (7-5 morning line). “Hate to give out favorites, but this Shug McGaughey monster comes into this Grade 1 in great shape and will relish the off track today. Several scratches, so focus on exactas and trifectas. Key 1 over 3,5 & 8 and reverse.”
Los Alamitos No. 7 (6:28 p.m. ET/3:28 p.m. PT)
John Lauro likes #8 Single Me Out (10-1 morning line). “Single Me Out returns in seven days, which is often a good sign that a horse is fit and ready to run again, for trainer Gary Stute and jockey Geovanni Franco. He was totally blocked and had no room in the stretch. Strong Win bet.”