aqueduct Archives - Page 2 of 5 - The Conductor's Scroll

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

on September 19, 2024April 24, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

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.

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

on September 15, 2024April 24, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

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.

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

on September 14, 2024April 24, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

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.

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 Sunday Picks — July 7, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

on July 7, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

A vintage steam locomotive with a black and blue exterior, billowing smoke, traveling along railway tracks with passenger cars.

1 for 2 Saturday with a 6/5 winner. Live to play another day. Aqueduct has come to and end and Saratoga is waiting for us. Let’s shut this place down in style. Skip

Race 2: 1 Mile. (Turf) S. Hudson Valley Stakes

#4 Dakota Gold (6/1) – This gelding hasn’t run on a firm turf course in his last 5 starts. The last time he did going 1 mile, he won by open lengths. His effort off the layoff in April was ok. He looked like he needed it and was wide around both turns. Getting back to his best surface and distance today, the Conductor sees him firing a big effort. #1 Spirit of St Louis (1/1) will be tough to beat, but Dakota Gold has upside making his just his 2nd start of the year. He will be a major overlay.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.S.Port Washington Stakes

#3 Lisa’s Vision (15/1) – The Conductor is ignoring her last race in the slop and her prior dirt races last year. She showed real ability prior on the turf and even beat the heavy favorite in this race, #5 Silver Skillet (6/5), going 7 furlongs. She’s won routing before and can take a big step forward today making her 2nd start off he bench with the surface switch. With Franco in the saddle, you know she’ll get a good trip as well.

Race 7: 6½ Furlongs. F.S.Alw 80000n1x

*Gullet shot of the Day #8 Capital Gal (5/1) – There is absolutely no other early speed in this dirt sprint. This mare has some and she looks to get an ideal trip either setting or pressing a slow pace 2-wide. She had a no chance trip on turf last time and her win on dirt two back at Finger Lakes makes her a contender vs this weak Aqueduct group.

Aqueduct Saturday Picks — Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) Day, July 6, 2024 | Best Bets

on July 6, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

Elderly man in vintage attire sitting on a stool at a train station, with a historic train in the background.

Again only the heavy chalk wins for the Conductor Friday. We need to get the best of Aqueduct while it lasts. Only two racing days left before the train heads upstate for the rest of the summer. He can’t wait for Saratoga. Skip.

Race 6: 1 3/16 Mile. (Outer Turf) G1 Belmont Derby Invitational

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Royal Majesty (6/1) – The Conductor is heavily against the morning line favorite #5 Endlessly (6/5) in this spot. He’s not a Grade 1 caliber turf horse on the east coast. This morning line is laughable if true. Royal Majesty is steadily progressing and should have beaten #1 Legend of Time (5/2) last time in the Pennine Ridge Stakes. He was sitting a great trip and was ready to explode entering stretch. However, he was boxed in, forced to check, lost momentum and got out too late. The Conductor likes this colt’s steady progression and thinks he’s the most likely winner in a race where he’ll be at least the 3rd choice by the betting public.

Race 8: 7 Furlongs. G2 John A. Nerud Stakes

#5 Mullikin (2/1) – This is an evenly matched 5 horse field on paper, but the Conductor believes you can rely on this colt to get the job done. He’s improved as a 4-year old and there isn’t any other early pace in this field. Mullkin looks to get a perfect trip setting a slow pace or 2-wide pressing, whichever Prat prefers. While there are many solid closers in this Aqueduct stakes, pace makes the race.

Aqueduct Friday Picks — July 5, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

on July 5, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

A man in a suit walks alongside a horse near vintage train cars, showcasing a historical scene with horses and transportation.

Cloudy stunk, but at least Emory was the lock the Conductor thought she was at a short price Thursday at Aqueduct. Let’s get a few prices home today along with another cinch. Skip.

Race 7: 1 1/8 Mile. OC 62500n2x

# 1 Archie the Giza (5/1) – This gelding’s race two back behind Kingsbarn was good enough to win today. The Conductor will excuse his last effort, where he moved early into a quick pace, at a shorter distance than he prefers. Archie the Giza will like the added distance today and he gets a rider upgrade to the red hot Flavian Prat. The Conductor likes the Churchill shipper vs this average Aqueduct allowance field.

Race 8: 1 3/8 Mile. G2 Brooklyn Stakes

#6 Next (4/5) – Another Churchill shipper, this gelding has been consistent and dominant in his marathon dirt stakes races. Nobody in this field can warm him up and he takes his game wherever he ships. Next is your lock today.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.SMdn 75k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #8 Bobby M’s Girl (12/1) – The Conductor has been waiting for this filly to run back since her debut at Saratoga. She was checked into 1st turn, checked sharply again on the 2nd turn, blocked in stretch and still full of run late. This was a very sneaky big effort that she should improve upon today. The Conductor was hoping she would show up with a new rider aboard, but we’ll be compensated with the price. C’mon Katie Davis give her a fair trip.

Aqueduct Independence Day Picks — Thursday, July 4, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping

on July 4, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

Jockey riding a horse while holding an American flag during a race, showcasing equestrian sport and patriotism.

Time to get this train running with Saratoga right around the corner. As we prepare for the upcoming festivities, it’s essential to ensure that all the passengers have a memorable Independence Day celebration at Aqueduct. The Conductor will be back posting every NYRA race day with turf racing through the summer. Let’s start piling the coal. Skip.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) OC 80000b

#8 Cloudy (6/1) – This horse has shown versatility in his career, winning at both at 5 1/2 furlongs and 1 mile on the turf. Last time off the bench routing at Aqueduct, he was rank and uncomfortable the entire 1st turn and along backstretch. After expending all that wasted energy early, he didn’t run a terrible race. With that start under his belt, he can run a top effort today if he can relax. The far outside post is the Conductor’s only concern.

Race 8: 6½ Furlongs. F.G3 Victory Ride Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Emery (6/5) – The Conductor is hoping this filly is north of even money. Since the #1 and the #5 have formidable speed figures, he thinks it’s possible. This filly broke the Conductor’s jaw with the way she won last time. She floated wide around the turn and moved past some solid horses like they were standing still. Gaffalione didn’t move an inch in the saddle. Cox is shipping this one to Aqueduct to pick up an easy stakes victory before the Saratoga meet. The Conductor hates chalk, but she’s your 4th of July stone cold lock.

Aqueduct Sunday Picks — May 19, 2024 | Best Bets & Post-Preakness Analysis

on May 19, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe

A vintage train conductor in a locomotive cabin, showcasing detailed controls and a focused expression, emphasizing railway heritage.

Seize the Gray wires the field in Preakness and the train leaves Maryland without any coal. However, we are fast and firm at Aqueduct today and their cards are finally becoming playable. There are some nice opportunities out there. Let’s take advantage, or dig ourselves a deeper hole. Skip.

Race 2: 1 Mile. S.MC 30000

#2 Solo Rye’d (15/1) – This gelding dropped to this level off the bench last time and ran well behind a slow pace going 7 furlongs. His three races last year can be ignored on the turf and a sloppy track. Now 2nd off the layoff, he stretches out in distance and will try a mile on a fast dirt track for the 1st time. He has upside in a field of proven losers.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. Clm 40000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 Secret Rules (6/1) – This gelding ran better than it looks last time at Keeneland, closing behind a slow pace on a speed favoring track. Even though that race was at the same level, he faced a much tougher group than he’s facing here. Secret Rules was also claimed out of that race by Linda Rice. That certainly warrants an upgrade shipping back to New York. The last time he ran at this level and distance at Aqueduct, he beat the field by 4 1/2 lengths at 9/1. 7/2 or better will be just fine this time for the Conductor.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 90k

#3 John the Beer Man (5/2) – Nothing too creative in the finale. However, the Conductor will certainly play this gelding if he is indeed north of 2/1. He’s run well with two terrible trips and this is a much weaker field than he faced last time at Keeneland. In that race he was wrangled early and checked sharply into the first turn. Despite his trouble, he still finished best against the front-runner flow. He should graduate today.

Aqueduct Mother’s Day Picks & Best Bets — Sunday, May 12, 2024 | Pick 6 Carryover

on May 12, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

Antiquarian scores at 6/1 Saturday and the train is refueled with coal heading into Mothers’ Day. Get your family obligations out of the way early today passengers, we have a juicy pick 6 carryover at Aqueduct this afternoon. Unfortunately, only the feature stays on the turf today. Frustrating, but we’ll play the hand we’re dealt. Let’s Ride

Race 3: 6½ Furlongs. F.OC 62500n2x

#5 Frau Diablo (3/1) – This filly is steadily progressing and did well to hold onto 2nd after setting a wicked pace going 7 furlongs last time. Nobody can pressure her early in this field, and the shorter distance helps her cause. Gate to wire.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. (Outer Turf) F.G3 Soaring Softly Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Kodiac Wintergreen (6/1) – This filly showed talent last year sprinting on the turf. She returned off the bench last time at Keeneland and ran a decent 3rd in a stakes race rained off the lawn. With that race under her belt, she looks primed to run a peak effort returning to the turf and making her second start as a 3-year-old. 5-1 or better is a square price.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Off Turf) S.MC 40000

#7 Feline Treasure (12/1) – This is an absolutely dismal field after scratches. This gelding exits two sprint races at Aqueduct and will now stretch out to a route for the first time. He’ll be facing his weakest field to date and will be forwardly placed in a race devoid of pace. The Conductor also finds it very interesting that Franco hops aboard for a small barn he never rides for. He may know something the public doesn’t see on paper. Feline Treasure is worth a swing in the finale.

Aqueduct Saturday Picks — May 11, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

on May 11, 2024April 17, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe 1 Comment

A vibrant depiction of a horse race featuring multiple horses and jockeys in colorful silks, with a large crowd in the background.

Well the rail certainly wasn’t the place to be Friday at Aqueduct and that’s exactly where the Conductor’s horses faltered. Back to fast and firm today in New York, other than race 11 which was taken off the turf. Time to get the train moving in the right direction. Skip.

Race 6: 1 1/8 Mile. G3 Peter Pan Stakes

#1 Protective (8/1) – The Conductor likes both Pletcher colts at square prices in the Peter Pan. Protective got a good ground saving trip after a poor start in the Wood, but he was absolutely flying late. He’s clearly improving and the Wood was a better race than the public gives it credit for. He is very dangerous today with Irad taking the mount in the feature dirt race at Aqueduct.

#6 Antiquarian (6/1) – This gelding broke thru the gate prior to the start of the Louisiana Derby. That ruins your chances 99% of the time and the Conductor was impressed he still ran well. He pressed a decent pace while wide and was only beaten 4 lengths. Now shortening in distance he looks to get an ideal trip here, pressing a slow pace. He’s moving in the right direction and should take a big jump up today.

Race 7: 1 3/8 Mile. (Turf) G2 Man o’ War Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Greek Order (15/1) – The Conductor sees #9 Nation’s Pride (8/5) winning this race and will pair him up with Greek Order underneath. Greek Order showed real quality in Europe, never missing the board over multiple distances and surfaces. He was bet to favoritism in his US debut in an allowance race at Keeneland last month. He ran evenly after a poor start that day, in a race controlled by the frontrunners. Greek Order will step forward with that race under his belt and the Conductor likes the added distance for him here. A 9/6 exacta here will make it a great Saturday.