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.