Maiden America Friday: RT picks the 1st and 4th races at Aqueduct, both for 3-year-olds

RT’s Spot Plays

4.1.2022

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Aqueduct Race 1 - $40K Maiden Claiming

3yo24 NY Breds going one mile

I am going with 3-Rush To Honor (8/1) who, in his three races, has yet to find a fast track. Today’s forecast calls for light showers, yet it will still be easier than his previous outings. First off the claim for Chris Engelhart (19%), this OBS SPR $150K Honor Code gelding has tried turf twice and a sloppy going last time on dirt, and his numbers are not what his breeding is capable of. Look for a big improvement today.

Aqueduct Race 4 - $80K Maiden Special

3yo↑ going six furlongs

5-Patient Capital (5/2) 22% first time starting trainer Chad Brown not the biggest star with Practical Joke sired horses; this being his fifth and his previous four have won only once. Their collective Equibase numbers have been abysmal, so this $240K Keeneland September Yearling sale gelding will be a pass for me. 3-Sukoon (7/2) Pletcher trained first timer (21%) is overall 41% with Honor Code progeny and 29% with his first time starers. The challenge I see with any first time starter in this race, is 2-Actualize (8/5) has three races and in his last two, went straight to the lead in :22 for the first call. His lone speed and setting the pace will cause kickback, something not replicated in morning workouts and new horses are unaccustomed to. So, being the lone speed, Actualize is the choice.

Happy Hunting!