Aqueduct Picks for Saturday, December 6:
HORSING AROUND AT BIG A: What’s a warm-blooded handicapper like Mr. Ed doing at a cold, dark and dreary NY track like Aqueduct, you may ask, while he could be betting and basking in the sunny and warm world of Gulfstream Park? His decision to cool it and offer picks this weekend at the Big A came down to the quality of racing, regardless of climatic conditions. Even faced with another possible jockey walkout due to unfavorable weather and track politics, Mr. Ed will take his chances of finding winners in the superior quality 11-race Aqueduct card, offering more than $2.5 million in purses and six challenging stakes. The inferior 11-race Gulfstream program (believe me, there’s nothing championship about it, yet), with the lone exception of a mid-level, non-graded stakes, is nearly as weak as an average nighttime program at Charles Town in WV. Weather forecast: 50% chance of snow with a high of 32 degrees. With first post at 11:20 a.m. ET, and most of the top jockeys and trainers outfitted with hand warmers at the Big A, let’s take a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s Selections at Aqueduct for Saturday, 12/6
Race 1 (11:20 a.m. ET/8:20 a.m. PT) — $28K CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes a pair to kick off the Big A action: #1 PRINCIP (5-2 morning line), for local trainer Ilkay Kantarmaci, who retains Manny Franco off an excellent closing second in last, and #5 BRAVE BUCK (3-1) for the superior Linda Rice barn. She retains go-to rider Kendrick Carmouche.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 1,5/1,5. ($20)
Race 2 (11:48 a.m. ET/8:48 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YOs going a mile
To close out successful DD: Mr. Ed likes #1 DOUBLE ACT (7-2 morning line), who naturally concludes bet for powerful Bill Mott/Junior Alvarado team, and expensive longshot #5 GOOD ILLUSION (10-1) for savvy trainer Danny Gargan and top rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race 3 (12:17 p.m. ET/9:17 a.m. PT) — $250K G2 DEMOISELLE STAKES for 2YO fillies going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed’s betting on #2 SHILLING (4-1 morning line) for rejuvenated trainer Jimmy Jerkens, who is running Kenny McPeek’s NY stable. Barn retains youngster Chris Elliott in irons. My shillings are on the talented team.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & $5 Exacta Box of 2&4. ($20)
Race 4 (12:45 p.m. ET/9:45 a.m. PT) — $88K ALLOWANCE for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs
I like a trio: #1 DESPO’S DREAM (7-2 morning line) with huge rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr.; #5 PRACTICAL LOV (6-1) with HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez returning, and #6 LAYERED (3-1) with exceptional jockey Flavien Prat picking up ride.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 8 (2:39 p.m. ET/11:29 a.m. PT) — $500K NEW YORK STALLION SERIES for 2YO fillies going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed’s betting on #10 HOT CURRENCY (7-2 morning line) for ever-ready Linda Rice with Flavien Prat retaining ride. It might be cold outside, but it’s always warm in the Rice barn.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 9 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — $250K G2 REMSEN STAKES for 2YOs going 1⅛-mile
I’m picking #11 TALKIN (5-1 morning line) for sharp trainer Danny Gargan, who brings back Kendrick Carmouche to pilot the expensive youngster to victory. I’m talking about the winner.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
Race 10 (3:37 p.m. ET/12:37 p.m. PT) — $500K G2 CIGAR MILE HANDICAP for 3YOs & Up
You might think I’ve lost my mind, but I like #4 CRAZY MASON (7-2 morning line) with Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding for Gregory Sacco to prevail in a tough field.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 11 (4:07 p.m. ET/1:07 p.m. PT) — $500K NEW YORK STALLION SERIES for 2YOs going 7 furlongs
Mr. Ed likes consistent campaigner #7 SPIRIT OF NEW YORK (7-2 morning line) for trainer Adam Rice, who brings Irad Ortiz, Jr. back to ride. Gelding can handle a cutback and surface switch. Mr. Ed’s got the spirit!
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $150
SUNDAY AT AQUEDUCT: The rather slim, 8-race card, featuring a pair of stakes for females, Race 6 $150K GARLAND OF ROSES and Race 7 $200K THE COMELY, goes to post at 12:40 p.m. ET/9:40 a.m. PT. Weather forecast calls for cloudy skies and a high near 40. Mr. Ed will return with his exclusive VSiN selections.
NFL Sunday
GREEN BAY PACKERS -6.5
Record 6-7*
*against the spread
