Aqueduct Thursday Picks — September 26, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

A racehorse with a jockey in green attire galloping at high speed on a racetrack, showcasing the thrill of horse racing.

Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Santa Anita will all be running next week. Get your rest in while you can, passengers. Skip.

Race 1: 6½ Furlongs. F.Mdn 90k

#3 Route Sensation (6/1) – The Conductor doesn’t see #5 Stunner (6/5) losing this race. However, we can still make some money with a 5/3 exacta. Route Sensation showed she has ability on debut, finishing 3rd after a terrible start and trip. She adds blinkers today and will take a big step forward with that education last time. The Conductor is looking for the exacta to pay 8/1 or better.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.S.Alw 80000n1x

#2 She Takes Cash (8/1) – This filly ran well last time routing. She made a nice move to take the lead, but just couldn’t get the distance. Now she cuts back to a turf sprint for the first time and gets an ideal inside draw. Versus weak field of fillies today, the Conductor sees her working out an ideal pocket trip and taking the cash at a square price.

Race 6: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) John Hettinger Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Busy Morning (15/1) – This mare won nicely last time without a perfect trip. She was 2-wide and 3-wide on the turns and still finished off her race closing into a moderate pace. She gets an ideal rail draw today and the Conductor questions the ability of many of the contenders in here to get this distance. Busy Morning is bred to go long on the turf and the Conductor has no doubt she’ll be finishing late. With a pace that looks to be quick early, she has a chance to light up the tote.

Aqueduct Picks Today

Aqueduct Sunday Picks — September 22, 2024 | Best Bets & Pick 5 Analysis

Elderly man with a white beard wearing a captain's uniform at a horse racing event, surrounded by horses and spectators.

1/4 Saturday with a 2/1 winner is not what the Conductor ordered. However, today’s late pick 5 sequence has him chomping at the bit. Let’s end the weekend in style. Skip.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) F.Clm 40000n2L

#2 Supers Lucky Lady (8/1) – This filly’s best race came in her lone start routing last year. Now after three solid turf sprints, they finally stretch her back out to a route. Her early speed is mighty dangerous in a race without much other pace.

#9 Gram (5/1) – This filly made a nice 5-wide uncovered move in her first try routing last time. She draws another outside post today, but gets a major rider upgrade from Rosario to Davis. The Conductor thinks this filly has upside if Davis can work out a fair trip.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.OC 62500n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Off Ramp (6/1) – This mare has improved since moving into the Joe Sharp barn and switching to the turf. She won nicely two back and ran evenly behind a slow pace at Kentucky Downs last time. Now she gets back to a more traditional turf course and looks to get an ideal pocket trip today. Over 4/1 is fair for the Conductor.

Aqueduct Picks Today

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.S.Alw 80000n1x

#10 Red Burgundy (6/1) – This filly set a scorching pace last time vs tougher and ran well to not completely fold late. She may have bled that day too, as she now gets Lasix for the first time. She’ll be all alone on the lead today, and will every chance to wire them if Santana can set a moderate pace. There aren’t any monsters that are trying to run her down.

Aqueduct Saturday Picks — September 21, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

A group of thoroughbred racehorses galloping on a racetrack with spectators cheering in the background, showcasing speed and excitement.

No Mo Candy saved Friday for the Conductor, scoring at 10/1. Let’s continue the momentum this weekend. Keep stacking that coal. Skip.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) OC 62500n2x

#2 Anaconda (7/2) – This horse ran a solid closing 4th off a year layoff over a speed biased Kentucky Downs turf course last time. He’s facing a weaker group today and looks to get an ideal pocket trip. The Conductor sees him winning this race for fun.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) F.S.Mdn 75k

#7 Gallant Greta (5/2) – This morning line is a bit low for the Conductor, but she may float up to the 3/1, 7/2 range. Her first start routing on the turf last time was much better than it looks on paper. She was checked hard out of the gate, rank into the first turn, and had to wait behind horses entering stretch. Gallant Greta overcame all that and was still finishing best late. With a clean trip today, she should beat this group.

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.G3 Noble Damsel Stakes

#1 Ocean Club (7/2) – This filly ran a solid 3rd closing behind a slow pace sprinting last time. That effort was a against G2 company and this is a much weaker group. Stretching out to a mile today, she’ll be forwardly placed in a race without much early pace. Another easy winner for the Conductor.

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.Mdn 90k

#4 Out too Late (9/2) – This filly is steadily progressing with each start. She ran a good 2nd at Saratoga last time. She was covered 3-wide on the turn and finished well with the closer flow. Despite being with the flow, she was consistently bumped by the inside horse, #5 Shoplifting, who both showed grit to not give up. Out too Late should run a career best effort today.

Aqueduct Friday Picks — September 20, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

A racehorse galloping ahead of competitors on a lush green racetrack, showcasing speed and agility during a horse race.

Not the greatest Thursday for the Conductor, but we weren’t far off. We’re still seeing the ball well and ready collect some coal heading into the weekend. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) Mdn 90k

#5 Nod to Tran (8/1) – This colt showed nice visual move on debut, wheeling out wide entering the stretch. He’s running out of a small barn, so that performance won’t get the credit it deserves. That’s good for us passengers. He has talent and will be an overlay today.

Race 2: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) OC 80000b

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Highestdistinction (5/1) – This gelding had an impossible turf trip off the bench last time. He pressed a scorching pace while wide and rightfully tired early. He should improve off that effort and will get an ideal trip here as the lone speed. Highestdestinction doesn’t like to settle for 2nd when he’s in a battle down the stretch.

Aqueduct Picks Today

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.Clm 40000n2

#3 Shaman Princess (10/1) – This filly has shown early speed in her two starts this year. Now she drops in class and returns to the Aqueduct turf course, where she broke her maiden. This is a weak field and inside speed has led to big prices at this meet. Shaman Princess is a serious gate to wire threat.

Race 8: 1 3/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) F.OC 50000n1x

#2 No Mo Candy (10/1) – The filly is a new shooter in a field of average allowance horses. She’s run two solid races over synthetic and now will try going long on the grass for the first time. She’s bred to be a mower and looks to get an ideal ground saving trip up close to, or setting a moderate pace today. The Conductor sees the public cursing Saffie Joseph after this one.

Aqueduct Thursday Picks — September 19, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

A thoroughbred racehorse galloping on a dirt racetrack with a jockey in yellow attire, showcasing speed and agility during a race.

A poor Sunday for the Conductor at Aqueduct was a frustrating end to a solid week. A few days off has the Conductor itching to get back in the cockpit, and thankfully Thursday is finally here. Let’s get the train moving in the right direction. Skip.

Race 5: 1 Mile. F.Alw 50000s

#8 Destine to Race (6/1) – This filly’s last race off a year layoff on the turf at Saratoga can be ignored. She switches back to the dirt today and her 2023 dirt form in Kentucky makes her the one to beat in the Conductor’s opinion. The Linda Rice barn is regaining form this meet and the Conductor sees Destine to Race firing a peak effort.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) OClm 50000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #12 Scat Tu Tap (12/1) – The Conductor loved this gelding’s last race and is annoyed he drew the 12 post today. Last time he was a bit bothered start, 3-wide on the 1st turn, uncovered on the backstretch, 3-wide 2nd turn and never quit. That race was much better than it looks on paper and he gets a rider upgrade to Dylan Davis today. Hopefully Dylan can for some magic despite the outside draw.

Aqueduct Picks Today

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.Mdn 90k

#10 Pretty Liza (10/1) – Another horse the Conductor likes with an annoying outside post. This filly’s debut 2nd at Saratoga last time impressed the Conductor. She was rank early, in tight and checked sharply on backstretch. She fought Saez on the turn, still ran well for 2nd. Pretty Liza should take a massive step forward today with that race under her belt.

Aqueduct Sunday Picks — September 15, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

A group of thoroughbred racehorses galloping on a racetrack with jockeys in colorful silks, showcasing the excitement of horse racing.

Another profitable day at the windows Saturday at Aqueduct and the Conductor is feeling good. Time to get the train into 2nd gear. Skip.

Race 1: 1 1/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) F.Mdn 90k

#8 Coral Sea (5/1) – The Conductor sees this filly improving in her 2nd career start. She has the best turf breeding in the field and her debut was better than it looks. She was way too far back behind a slow pace and didn’t have a fair chance. Carmouche will have Coral Sea closer to the pace today and we’ll get to see what she’s capable of. 5/1 is a fair price.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.S.MC 40000

#1 Generous Luva (10/1) – This filly was bet to favoritism dropping to this level at Saratoga last time. She folded early in a speed duel, but she looks to be lone speed today. The Aqueduct turf has favored inside speed and this filly is dangerous if she isn’t pressured entering the stretch. At double digit odds, she’s worth a bet for the Conductor.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) OClm 50000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Java Buzz (9/2) – The Conductor is using the exact same angle here as race 5. Java Buzz was hammered at the windows last time and got cooked in a speed duel. Now 3rd off the layoff, he adds blinkers and is much quicker early than any other rival here. On a speed favoring Aqueduct turf course, the Conductor will bet he takes them gate to wire.

Belmont at the Big A picks today

Aqueduct Saturday Picks — September 14, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

Four racehorses with jockeys in colorful silks competing on a racetrack during a horse racing event.

Solid return to the track Friday at Aqueduct as Mangetsu got the job done at 9/1. Let’s keep the throttle down and atone for Saratoga’s sins. Let’s Ride.

Race 4: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.S.MC 40000

#4 Starlight Dancer (6/1) – The Conductor liked this filly’s 1st start routing last time. She was 3-wide and uncovered on the 1st turn and still finished well for 2nd. Starlight Dancer should improve off of that effort.

#11 Dubawi Wowie (8/1) – This filly also improved moving into the Michelle Giangiulio barn last time. She was checked after start, then made a nice early wide move on the turn. She draws a tough post today, but will be a big price. If Carmouche can work out a trip from the outside, she is very dangerous.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 90k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Barricade (9/2) – This colt ran much better than his speed figure shows in his debut. He was well back behind a tepid pace and showed best late kick from the pack in the stretch. With a fair pace today, he’s the one to beat.

Aqueduct Picks Today

Race 10: 1 3/8 Mile. (Turf) F.G3 Fasig-Tipton Jockey Club Oaks Invitational Stakes

#10 Macanga (10/1) – The Conductor touted this filly yesterday and she scratched out of that race for this spot. He was really impressed with her effort two starts back. She was dueled into the ground by the Chad Brown rabbit and still hung on for 3rd. Last time Johnny V tried to rate her and she was having none of it, fighting him the entire way. They’ll let her roll on the front end today and the Conductor can see her stealing this race. He is skeptical of the quality in this field.

Aqueduct Friday Picks — September 13, 2024 | Best Bets & NYRA Return Analysis

A group of racehorses galloping on a racetrack, showcasing speed and competition among jockeys in colorful attire.

NYRA finally returns to Aqueduct and the Conductor is excited to get the train away from Saratoga. Keeneland and Santa Anita are right around the corner. Time to shovel.

Race 2: 1 1/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) F.S.Mdn 75k

#1 Heavenly Light (7/2) – This filly was bet to favoritism on debut at Saratoga and closed well for 3rd behind a slow pace. She galloped out well and looks primed to run her best stretching out in distance. Her last race was rained off the turf and she finally returns to mow today.

#2 Saratoga Snow (6/1) – This filly also took money on debut for a small barn sprinting on the dirt. That race looked like a clear prep for today. She’s bred to take a big step forward on the turf and gets a rider upgrade to Lezcano here.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.S.Mdn 75k

#2 Mangetsu (12/1) – This filly showed some ability in her debut in a race rained off the turf. She was bumped at the start and showed early speed before fading. Now she draws a nice inside post and will get to try routing on the turf for the first time. She’s bred to improve on the lawn.

#3 On a Summer Day (8/1) – This filly made a little middle move that caught the Conductor’s eye in her debut at Saratoga. In her next race vs weaker at Delaware, she set a quick pace over a good turf course and dug in late. She’s going to be a major overlay for her low % barn today, but she’s proven she has some talent in a field with many 1st time starters. The Conductor is expecting her to outrun her odds.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.S.OC 45000n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #9 Weekend Rags (8/1) – This filly won her last turf race over this turf course and distance back in May. Her two races at Saratoga were rained off the turf and she finally gets good weather today. Trainer Jorge Abreu ended the Saratoga meet on fire and we get the circuit’s top rider with Prat aboard. Over 4/1 on Weekend Rags returning to the turf is fair for the Conductor.

Belmont at the Big A picks today

Pegasus World Cup Preview for Saturday 1/25/2025 The Pony Conductor

The Pegasus World Cup is here and the Conductor is ready to fire. He hasn't liked a card at Gulfstream this much maybe ever. Don't listen to this if you haven't signed up at Iron Bets yet with this link. You're not allowed. Skip.
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  4. Del Mar Preview for Saturday 11/9/2024
  5. 2024 Breeders' Cup Preview

Saratoga Labor Day Picks — Closing Day, Monday, September 2, 2024 | Best Bets

A racehorse galloping with a jockey in blue and yellow attire, showcasing speed and athleticism on a racetrack.

Finally Saratoga is over and the Conductor can be put out of his misery. Sunday made no sense. Cheers to pain and suffering. Skip.

Race 2: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) F.S.Mdn 90k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Dancing Dakotah (10/1) – This filly ran well in her debut despite being too far back early. She made up ground in the stretch against the pace and flow of the race. She adds blinkers today and gets a rider upgrade to Santana. The Conductor expects Dancing Dekotah to show more early speed today and make a big move forward in her 2nd career start.

Saratoga Picks Today

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Inner Turf) F.OClm 35000

#3 Surprenant Cocca (6/1) – This filly is coming off three poor trips. The Conductor loved her last time and Geroux was way too patient. She was way too far back to get there when she came with her late kick. She’s moved to the Maker barn since and now adds blinkers and gets a favorable inside post. The Conductor sees this filly finally getting a good trip today and finding the winners’ circle.

Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. (Inner Turf) F.S.MC 40000

#2 Tour Jete (6/1) – In this wide open maiden claimer, the Conductor likes this filly’s upside. She’s run well in her two races rained off the turf at Saratoga. She finally will get on the lawn today, and is bred to be a mower. With a nice inside post and Jose Ortiz aboard, the Conductor thinks Tour Jete is very live in her first turf race.

Saratoga Sunday Picks — September 1, 2024 | Best Bets & Final Weekend Handicapping

A racehorse galloping on a dirt track with a jockey in colorful attire, showcasing speed and athleticism during a horse race.

Brightwork made it a positive Saturday for the Conductor, but Saratoga’s gullet still proves to be elusive. Let’s get some prices home today. Skip.

Race 10: 5½ Furlongs. (Turf) S.OC 45000n2x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #9 Big Prankster (12/1) – This colt runs his race every time and is improving on dirt. In his last turf race back in May, he ran better than it looks closing into a slow pace and against the flow. He finally gets back to the turf today and is bred to do his best running on the lawn. Double digit odds is tasty for the Conductor.

Saratoga Picks today

Race 12: 1 1/14 Mile. G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup

#3 Bright Future (10/1) – This gelding won this race last year. The Conductor liked him last time in the Whitney and he didn’t pick his feet up in the slop. His prior win on a fast dirt track was impressive off the layoff, and the Conductor is choosing to ignore last time. Getting back to his best distance and surface today, the Conductor thinks Bright Future is live.

Race 13: 7 Furlongs. S.MC 30000

#12 Wild Nugget (8/1) – This is a very slow field of NY bred maiden claimers and this race looks ripe for a first time starter. This gelding has been working at Penn for small barn who has them ready to role 1st time out. Trainer Dimitrios Synnefias is 6/15 with a +$4.86 ROI this year with 1st timers. The Conductor can smell this colt running off the screen in the finale.