Stakes Saturday at the "Big A"

On the road to the Kentucky Derby we take a look at a fine derby prep race in good old New York.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Withers~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A quality field of ten derby aspirants go to the gate in this annual contest. There is a smidgeon of speed to keep the pace rolling. Speed numbers are fairly close with the young lads trying to improve with every race. Only three have gone this exact distance with a number of others running close, 50 yards shy to be precise. It should be another exciting race on the KD 143 prep race schedule.

#5 Bonus Points (Franco / Pletcher) might take another step forward with a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a three race progression, and two hearty workouts. This lad has already won at this distance and is the most experienced of the crew. A son of Majestic Warrior, he should be able to track the pace closely.

$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 El Areeb (McCarthy / C. Lynch) should go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, chasing four wins in a row, holding a five race progression, and putting in four dynamite workouts. He has the potential to wire this field. A son of Exchange Rate, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 True Timber (Carmouche / McLaughlin) should challenge with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two robust workouts. This guy loves the dirt and the Aqueduct track. A son of Mineshaft, he should continue to improve as the distance lengthens.

$1 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#9 Square Shooter (Pennington / Lerman) should contend with a couple of very good last out performances, scoring victories in both. He is working a two race progression and has put in two strong workouts prepping for this race. A son of Trappe Shot, he will be making his third career start.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Bonus Points  /  #4 El Areeb  /  #1 True Timber  /  #9 Square Shooter, ALL.

Last Superfecta Sunday (1/29) Results

Sam Houston Race Park R8.  John B. Connally Turf Cup--G3.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort, scoring three of the four wagering interests required. Superfecta went 4-8-5-3.

Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Oscar Nominated, finished 2nd for show money of $2.10.

Bankroll slips again to settle at $100.07.

New Year Monday Special

Off we go swiftly into the New Year as the road to the Kentucky Derby begins in earnest. Today we look at a New York route with KD143 points on the line.

Aqueduct Race 8 {Jerome~G3~1 mile70 yards~3 year old~Graded Stakes}

A talented group of seven will go to the gate in this annual dirt route at the "Big A". There are a couple of speedsters couple with three sprinters stretching out which should produce an honest pace. Speed numbers are relatively close, but any of these lads can make a great improvement anytime during this season. It should be a very good race.

#3 Takaful (J. Ortiz / McLaughlin) should be the deserved favorite. He already has a two derby points and looks to add to his KD treasure chest. This guy has the third highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route and one terrific bullet workout. A son of Bernardini, he should show speed and has the ability to wire this field.

$1 WIN.

#6 El Areeb (McCarthy / Lynch) will challenge with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four supreme workouts. He can show speed or run close to the pace. This son of Exchange Rate will be stretching out today. He comes in from two wins in a row at Laurel.

$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#4 True Timber (Carmouche / McLaughlin) will love the added distance as he continues to improve. His last two speed numbers are decent and he has put in one solid workout. A son of Mineshaft, he should track the pace and strike going into the stretch.

$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest

#7 Win With Pride (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) should contend as he continues to improve like these other freshly turned three year-olds. He shares the third highest last out speed number at a longer route, is working a three race progression, and has put in three hearty workouts. A son of Distorted Humor, he should track the pace strategically.

10 CENT Superfecta

#3 Takaful  /  #6 El Areeb  /  #4 True Timber, #7 Win With Pride / ALL.

Stakes Saturday Results

Gulfstream Park R10.  H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.  Our first pick, Quiet Force, finished 12th.  Our second pick, Top Striker, finished 13th.  Our third pick, Tagheeb, won (1st) for show money of $1.60.

Superfecta went 3-11-9-10.

Bankroll gets smashed, falling to $127.67.