Stakes Saturday at the "Big A"

 We venture to the "Big Apple" for one of the last remaining Kentucky Derby preps.

Aqueduct Race 12 {Wood Memorial~G2~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A reduced field of ten will enter the gate in this annual Derby prep.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speedy and forwardly placed types to keep the pace sizzling. Speed numbers are fairly close with two posting three-digit figures. Half the field will try the Aqueduct dirt for the first time. All but two are nominated to the Triple Crown. The entire field seems to be well prepped as they look to rack up Derby points. It should be a fantastic race on a very good Aqueduct card.

#2 Captain Cook (M. Franco / R. Dutrow) is one of two that have won at this distance. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and four superb workouts. This guy should track the pace closely looking to position for the stretch run. He will be seeking his third win in a row showing a three-race speed fig progression. A son of Practical Joke, he has a 66% win rate from three starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#8 Passion Rules (Carmouche / B. Cox) is another that should track the pace as he seeks his fourth win in a row. On a last out win he holds a good speed fig and two powerful workouts. He will be one of seven stretching out to this distance. It will be his first effort over the Aqueduct track. A son of Firesian Fire, he holds a 100% win rate from three starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#1 Rodriguez (M. Smith / Baffert) will show speed. He had a very good speed fig last out and has put in three strong peaking workouts in preparation. This will be his first start over the Aqueduct track as he stretches out to this distance. He is one of the runners that has posted a triple digit speed number. A son of Authentic, he 1s 100% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Sand Devil (J. Lezcano / L. Rice) has hit the board with triple digit speed figs in his last three races. This lad should be part of the speed team on the front-end. He loves the dirt and the Aqueduct track as he stretches out to the distance. A son of Violence, he is 100% in the money from four starts.

#7 Grande (D. Davis / Pletcher) is another that has won at this distance. He will be making his third start after winning the first two. He comes in from Gulfstream Park with a very good last out speed number and three sound workouts. This colt should sit right behind the speed. A son of Curlin, he has a 100% win rate from two starts.

#11 Statesman (Marin / McGaughey) should settle into a good tracking position. He holds the second highest last out speed number and four diligent workouts. It will be his first try over the Aqueduct oval after two wins in a row down at Tampa Bay Downs. A son of Constitution, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#2 Captain Cook  //  #8 Passion Rules,  #1 Rodriguez,  #5 Sand Devil,  #7 Grande,  #11 Statesman.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#8,  #1,  #5,  #7,  #11  //  #2 Captain Cook.

Best of luck to you on all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!