Stakes Saturday at Aqueduct

You know Spring is in the air when you hear the crack of the bat at your local ballpark.  Today we take in a different type of wood, The Wood Memorial at awesome Aqueduct.

Aqueduct Race 11 {Wood Memorial~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year olds~Stakes}
A spectacular field of ten will line up in one of the premiere Kentucky Derby preps.  There is sufficient speed to set up the trackers and closers with a fine closing drive.  All but two of the horses in the field have been nominated to the Triple Crown.  This should be one of the finest races so far this year.

#2 Normandy Invasion (Castellano / C. Brown) looks primed and ready to close down this highly talented field.  He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and has put in the best workout tab of four incredibly swift, peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is one of four that have gone this distance, securing the highest speed number of the group.  The pressure is on him and his connections to make the KD 139 starting gate as he needs the points.  Definitely the one to watch.
$1 WIN / $2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#8 Verrazano (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) appears ready to lead this field from start to finish.  He holds the highest last out speed number, a triple digit score, and has put in two strong workouts.  No worries here about Derby points.  He has enough to secure a gate position.  His magnificent pedigree makes him one of the great KD 139 hopefuls.  This son of More Than Ready just has to be kept happy and healthy.  This fine colt will be the speed of the race and all will have to catch him.  Distance does not appear to be a problem given who his mom and dad are.
$1 PLACE / $1 SHOW.

#5 Vyjack (Rosario / Rodriguez) is another with little worries about making the KD 139 field.  This gelding holds the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three terrific workouts.  He has won four in a row  and has a versatile running style which should benefit him in this race.  A son of Into Mischief, he holds the second highest speed number over the Aqueduct track.  He has not yet tried this distance.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Mr. Palmer (Alvarado / Mott) could be the big surprise with a couple of very decent last out speed numbers and three solid peaking workouts.  This colt has already gone the distance scoring the second best speed number of the crew.  A son of Pulpit, he has solid tracking/closing capability and should take advantage of a strong pace.  Another big step forward is not out of the question particularly if another horse cannot go the distance; nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

#10 Freedom Child (Trujillo / Albertrani) is another who has gone this distance and acquitted himself admirably.  He broke his maiden last out at this distance, is working a four race progression, and has put in two good workouts.  This splendid son of Malibu Moon should find himself with the leading horse pressing on.  This guy is a ridgling that could be another big surprise.

10 CENT Superfecta

#2 Normandy Invasion / #8 Verrazano / #5 Vyjack, #6 Mr. Palmer / #5, #6, #10 Freedom Child.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Transylvania Stakes--G3.  Our first pick, Bambazonki, finished 6th.  Our second pick, Fire Guard, finished 9th.  Our third pick, Up With the Birds [ONT-C] finished 2nd for show money of $1.90.
Superfecta went 6-3-8-2.
Bankroll gets punked down to $18.35.