Small fields and off the turf today at Aqueduct, no passenger needs to be playing that slop. The train will be stationed in Maryland for the upcoming Preakness weekend, hopefully the weather cooperates. The forecast looks fine for tomorrow and we have a delectable 14 race card headlined by the Black-Eyed Susan on our plate. Remember to only play the 12% takeout pick 5’s at Pimlico. The takeout rates of every other pool is a complete disgrace. Aim small, miss small, but really never miss at all. Skip.

Race 8: 1 1/8 Mile. F.Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Intrepid Dream (8/1) – This mare has found it difficult to stay on the track, but runs well every time. She’s 6/7 lifetime and will be making her 3rd start off a layoff for the first time in her career. She’s stretching out in distance today, but her best races have come routing and her early pace figures give her an advantage over this group. She’ll get an ideal trip pressing a moderate pace and the Ductor sees her being tough to run down in the stretch.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. F.G3 Miss Preakness Stakes

#4 Launch (9/2) – This is a cool filly who came from turf sprints across the pond to find her calling sprinting on the dirt in the US. She’s steadily progressing and 3/3 over a fast dirt track. The Conductor likes that she showed she can stalk and pounce last time too. With lots of other speed in here, sitting just off the pace will be the ideal spot.

Race 12: 1 3/16 Mile. G3 Pimlico Special Stakes

#8 Royal Ship (12/1) – The favorites look tough in here, but this gelding intrigues the Conductor at a price. He has plenty of back class and his speed figures fit with this group. Making his first start for Motion off the bench last time, he showed some early speed after a poor start. That sprint race was a clear prep for this spot anyway, and the aggressive spot 2nd off the bench is a positive sign. Royal Ship will get an ideal Johnny V trip pressing a slow pace and is very dangerous.

Race 13: 1 1/8 Mile. F.G2 Black-Eyed Susan Sakes

#4 Call Another Play (8/1) – This is a very slow group of fillies for this rendition of the Black-Eyed Susan. The Conductor will take a shot with a filly who is in great form and improving with each start. Coming from the claiming ranks just three starts back, she’s answered the bell with each step up in class. The added distance has clearly been a key to her success, and she’s one of a only a few fillies in here you can count on to be finishing late. She probably needs to take another step forward to win here, but the price should be right and Rachel Alexandra is certainly not in this field.

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