Aqueduct Picks for Saturday, November 8:
BIG A OR BUST: For serious horseplayers, it’s Autumn in New York to be followed by the Winter of our discontent. Mr. Ed has been spoiled by handicapping high-class contests at Gulfstream and Keeneland in the Spring, Belmont at Aqueduct, Del Mar and Saratoga in the Summer, followed by the Breeders’ Cup last weekend. Now he has dismal Aqueduct, and cheaper California and Kentucky racing til the Pegasus at Gulfstream in late January. That’s when the 2026 thoroughbred racing season begins anew. Next time you see top jockeys like the Ortiz bros, Tyler Gaffalione or Johnny Velazquez compete in a Triple Crown or a Breeders’ Cup race, keep in mind that on a freezing cold, dreary day in Winter, these same stars are at Aqueduct or PARX riding $20K claimers. So, between now and the end of January, Mr. Ed will continue to do his level best to enlighten, entertain and enrich VSiN followers. With a few exceptions here and there, look for his insight and selections on Saturdays and Sundays at the track he feels offers the greatest opportunity to present a winning proposition.
SPEAKING OF AQUEDUCT: In search of a faster track and firmer turf, one of my favorite riders, NY-based smiling Katie Davis, has decided to move her tack to Gulfstream Park in Florida for its 2026 Championship Meet (November 27 through March 29). Make note: Keep an eye on Kentucky-based trainer Kenny McPeek’s NY stable, being run by veteran conditioner Jimmy Jerkens. The barn had a 7-1 winner (ridden by Chris Elliott) on opening day. After two days into the meet, Flavien Prat is the leading jockey with six Wins, followed by Jose Lezcano with three. Linda Rice tops trainer standings with three victories. Today at the Big A, it’s time for Mr. Ed to eat his word salad (above) regarding the lack of quality racing at the NYC oval. The 10-race card boasts five stakes as well as a couple of competitive allowance optional claimers. Unfortunately, there is a 65% chance of rain. Early first post: 11:40 a.m. ET/8:40 a.m. PT. Here’s a look at Mr. Ed’s exclusive VSiN selections.
Mr. Ed’s Aqueduct Picks for Saturday, 11/08
Race 1 (11:40 a.m. ET/8:40 a.m. PT) — $82K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for fillies and mares, 3YOs & up going a mile
Mr. Ed likes a DD: #2 AH CA IRA (8-1 morning line) turns back for trainer Jorge Abreu and regular rider Flavien Prat, and #7 COLLECT THE DATA (7-5) for Chad Brown barn with Manny Franco retaining ride.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Daily Double of 2,7/3,4 ($20)
Race 2 (12:10 p.m. ET/9:10 a.m. PT) — $88K ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING for 3YOs & Up going 6 furlongs on the turf
To complete the DD, Mr. Ed likes #3 CYCLONITE (5-2 morning line) for Mark Casse with Dylan Davis riding, and #4 BERGEN (6-1) for Joe Sharp barn; Manny Franco rides for the first time.
Race 3 (12:40 p.m. ET/9:40 a.m. PT) — $200K DWYER STAKES for 3YOs going a mile
What’s not to like about #1 TIP TOP THOMAS (2-1) for tip top trainer Todd Pletcher and HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez? A tip-top team! Speedy sophomore has Win & Place over the oval.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 4 (1:10 p.m. ET/10:10 a.m. PT) — $150K PUMPKIN PIE STAKES for fillies and mares going 7 furlongs
In addition to pumpkin pie, Mr. Ed likes three: #1 NIC’S STYLE (2-1 morning line) stretches out for Bill Mott with Junior Alvarado aboard; #7 PATRICIA ANN (9-2), Carlos Martin trains, Kendrick Carmouche rides, and #8 WEIGH THE RISKS (9-5) for Chad Brown barn with Manny Franco up.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 5 (1:40 p.m. ET/10:40 a.m. PT) — $85K MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT for 2YO fillies going 6 furlongs on the grass
Mr. Ed’s betting on longshot #3 SUPER DREAMY (12-1 morning line) for up-and-coming conditioner Whit Beckman and promising young rider Ben Curtis. String of steady works says the Irish coed ready at first asking.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 to Win, Place & Show. ($15)
Race 6 (2:10 p.m. ET/11:10 a.m. PT) — $88K ALLOWANCE for 3YOs & Up going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes #8 TRACKING ERROR (5-1 morning line) for Chad Brown with a switch to top jock Flavien Prat; returning to dirt after a dull turf experiment. Outside post suits running style.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win. ($10)
Race 7 (2:39 p.m. ET/11:29 a.m. PT) — $200K G3 HILL PRINCE STAKES for 3YOs going 1⅛-mile on the grass
#6 STARS AND STRIDES (2-1 morning line) gets my vote to Win for trainer Bill Mott and regular rider Junior Alvarado; adding distance after a brief vacation. Sophomore seeks a hat trick.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $20 to Win. ($20)
Race 9 (3:39 p.m. ET/12:39 p.m. PT) — $300K G2 MOTHER GOOSE STAKES for 3YO fillies going 1⅛-mile
Mr. Ed likes three for the money: #3 LEMON ZEST (9-2 morning line) for strong Brad Cox barn with Flavien Prat; #6 FULLY SUBSCRIBED (4-1) for Chad Brown, and #9 DREXEL HILL (7-2) for trainer Whit Beckman.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $5 Exacta Box. ($30)
Race 10 (4:09 p.m. ET/1:09 p.m. PT) — $250K G3 LONG ISLAND STAKES for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up going 1⅜-mile on the turf
To conclude the card, Mr. Ed likes #3 BEACH BOMB (3-1 morning line), well-tested router for trainer Graham Motion and HOF jockey Javier Castellano with earnings in excess of $500K. Overdue to score.
AQUEDUCT SELECTION: $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $165
LOOKING AHEAD:
Baltimore Ravens -3.5
NFL (4-4)*
*(against the spread)
