Aqueduct Sunday 12/19: Gravesend and Queens County Analysis

Sunday marks the last day of racing at Aqueduct before the holiday hiatus. The 9 race card will feature the Gravesend and Queens County Stakes.

Playing “The Big A”

One thing has become very prevalent since turf racing concluded a few weeks back in New York. If you want to win races, being forwardly placed is a huge advantage. Horses toward the front are finishing extremely well.

It would also seem that most of the time the rail in the stretch is not where you want to be. Horses are running ok up the inside on the backstretch, but the most impressive performances have come from horses who tip out into the middle of the stretch turning for home.

Sunday Analysis

Aqueduct Race 1

Post: 12:20 PM ET; Purse: $43,000 Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 8

#8 U SHOULD B DANCING (2-1) should be competitive today based on the horse’s advantages in speed figures & connections. #7 FANCY FELINE (5-2) comes into the race signaling a big performance in the near future. #3 PRINCESS ARIYANNA (10-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #5 BANK STATEMENT (6-1) is an interesting fringe player capable of getting the job done.

Selections: 8-7-3-5

Aqueduct Race 2

Post: 12:50 PM ET; Purse: $50,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 9

#6 CUSTOMEREXPERIENCE (8-5) is a major player in today’s race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including speed & power rating. #7 HYDRA (9-2) is worth a look here given edges in record at the distance & race flow. #3 BIG AL’S GAL (6-1) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. #4 QUALITY STONES (8-1) is interesting at the price

Selections: 6-7-3-4 (Best Bet #6 Customerexperience)

Aqueduct Race 3

Post: 1:18 PM ET; Purse: $74,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 7

#2 HONEY MONEY (2-1) has a great shot in the race given the advantages in speed & class. #4 MAKINGCENTS (7-2) has to be respected based on the connections. #3 VIENNA CODE (6-1) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to hit the board. #5 EPONA’S DREAM (9-2) merits consideration in this spot given edges in stamina & record at the distance.

Selections: 2-4-3-5

Aqueduct Race 4

Post: 1:43 PM ET; Purse: $36,000 Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 9

#5 RAFFINITY (9-2) should be competitive today given the current form and highly competitive speed figures. #8 LINNY KATE (5-1) looks to have to have kept the best company in the previous starts. #3 STORMI CAT LADY (12-1) is proven as a good bet to at least hit the board under today’s distance and surface conditions. #7 ALPINE QUEEN (5-2) is worth a look here given the connections.

Selections: 5-8-3-7

Aqueduct Race 5

Post: 2:11 PM ET; Purse: $70,000 Maiden Special Weight, 7 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 15

#9 I’LL GO ALL IN (6-1) is worth a look based on early pace numbers. #3 VALLELUJAH (10-1) could get a nice setup to upset the field. #13 LADY OF THOROTON (12-1)a big prices with the best speed figures in the group. That is never a bad play. # MY CARA MIA MINE (6-1) comes into the race signaling a big performance in the near future.

Selections: 9-3-13

Aqueduct Race 6

Post: 2:39 PM ET; Purse: $84,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 7

#7 VEGAS WEEKEND (7-2) is a major player in today’s race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including stamina & record at the distance. #5 MAIDEN BEAUTY (5-2) is tops in both speed figures and power rating. #4 EMILIA’S MOON (7-2) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. #3 PIONEER OF THE SKY (8-1) should be in contention to hit the board at a decent price.

Selections: 7-5-4-3

Aqueduct Race 7

Post: 3:09 PM ET; Purse: $100,000 Gravesend S., 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 6

#5 WONDRWHERECRAIGIS (4-5) looks much the best, but the price is hard to swallow. #6 CHATEAU (6-1) has speed figures that make him a major player in this race. #3 WENDELL FONG (10-1) provides good value at 10-1. #1 JAXON TRAVELER (7-2) could get a nice setup and is a hard knocking runner who shouldn’t be discounted.

Selections: 5-6-3-1

Aqueduct Race 8

Post: 3:37 PM ET; Purse: $125,000 Queens County S., 1 1/8 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 9

#2 BACKSIDEOFTHEMOON (6-1) should be competitive today based on the horse’s advantages in speed figures of late. #5 SHOOGER RAY TOO (12-1) has the top power rating in the group and offers plenty of value. #8 MYSTIC NIGHT (5-2) has to be respected based on the connections. #7 BAL HARBOUR (10-1) is a solid runner who will be a great value on the tote board.

Selections: 2-5-8-7

Aqueduct Race 9

Post: 4:04 PM ET; Purse: $43,000 Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 13

#2 VIKING ZIM (6-1) is named after Mike Zimmer, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. As a die hard Minnesota Vikings fan I fully expect this one to nurse a small lead throughout the race before making a series of gaffs 20 yards before the finish leading to a heartbreaking loss. Connections to my favorite football team aside, I like this one to outlast the others and spring the minor upset.

#13 GOT THE GOLD (5-1) looks to have the top speed ratings in the group and has run against solid company, but the post is not ideal. #10 RUSH TO HONOR (4-1) has to be respected based on the connections. #5 SANDRO THE GREAT (8-1) is well bred for the distance.

Selections: 2-13-10-5

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