Mike Somich’s Aqueduct Picks:
Let’s head back to New York and the Aqueduct turf course for two graded stakes with some familiar names.
The Hill Prince, Race #5, Aqueduct
The Hill Prince offers a fun little mile and an eighth journey around with some family 3-year-old faces late in the season. Our favorite is the Kentucky Derby hopeful #3 Deterministic, who has found new life on turf. He’s got a handful of positives for himself here, he has early speed, which should allow him to get a good trip, and we know he can handle the distance. I expect him to run well, but I don’t want to play him as the favorite.
To his inside #2 Cugino has been one of the most consistent runners in this division all season. He has won on the lead and from off the pace, which is key here since it will be tough to get to the front. If he is able to pocket up and pounce on the far turn, he is going to be tough to beat.
 The wildcard is the #1 Bartlett who is speed on speed, but has never tried the turf. We have seen a horse or two wire the field in New York before and that’s how this sets up for Bartlett today. The price is right at 8-1 as well if you want to take a shot.
#6 Right to Vote is the other Brown here and the one that is most dangerous. It’s a giant step up in class, but the win at Saratoga was very smart and showed this horse is ready to take a step forward.
Aqueduct Picks: 2-1-3-6
Bets: $50 Win #2
Red Smith Stakes, Race #9, Aqueduct
The second of the graded stakes on the card has a Breeders’ Cup want-to-be feel, with some of the second tier from the East and West Coast meeting up to run a marathon distance today. #8 Master Piece ships in from Del Mar where he was taking on the best in the West Coast. He’s two for two over this turf course and should sit a solid trip today.
#2 Integration is one of two in there for trainer Shug McGaughey and looks to have the best shot to win for him here. He won this race last year and has been very close to getting a big-time graded stakes win this season. He is the horse to beat.
#6 Adhamo will run in his 14th straight graded stakes today, but he has only been able to break through once in that stretch. He does get a slight class relief today but will need to find his past form to win.
#9 Rebel Red comes in with the least experience but arguably the highest upside of all the runners. He’s coming in off a great win at Keeneland in the allowance level. Today will be the longest distance he has ever travelled but has the breeding to handle the extra ground.
Aqueduct Picks: 2-8-9-6
Best Bets: $50 Win #22
Spot Plays:
Del Mar, Race #5 – $50 Win #5
Del Mar, Race #9 – $50 Win #2
