NYRA Preview: Aqueduct 2/15

Every Saturday from here on in has major ramifications for what horses we will see on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. There are major stakes races across the country today including both divisions of the Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Just before both of those legs, British Idiom will make her 3-year-old debut in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes as well down in Louisiana. The Broadway Stakes is the feature at the Big A for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward going 6 furlongs on the dirt. There are also two maiden special weight (MSW) races I’ve previewed as a great racing day is upon us across the country.

Aqueduct Fall Meet Statistics (11/7-2/14)

Races	Top 4 Wins	Top 4 Exactas	Top 4 Trifectas	Top 4 Supers
61	46	30	13	5

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Race 1: $68,000 MSW for 3-year-old maidens going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

On paper this looks like a two-horse race between Patrol and Wandering West. The major difference between the two are the workout times in the mornings as #2 Patrol has put up much quicker times. #2 Patrol was purchased as a 2-year-old at Keeneland in 2019 for $350,000 just 10 months ago. Denoted as a Triple Crown Nominee, this horse had very high expectations but will make his debut just a few months before the Kentucky Derby. He’s looked great in the mornings and his times are more than good enough to beat this field of six in his debut.

Ricky’s Picks: 2-6-4-5

Race 4: $60,000 MSW for New-York-bred 3-year-old fillies going 7 furlongs on the dirt

#4 Sharp Starr struggled in her debut, but she had plenty of reason. Bella Invasion who finished fourth, went out to the lead and tried to distance herself from the rest of the field. Ancient Brown ended up winning by open lengths, but Sharp Starr was the only runner who closed into the gap. Today, she gets an extra 1/2 to navigate through and a better post position. She might be the post-time favorite but will figure to be a good price to add to multi-race tickets.

Ricky’s Picks: 4-9-7-2

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Good luck to everyone playing and be sure to follow me on Twitter @RickyP_15 for more NYRA race previews as we take a look at Aqueduct!

If you want further information on the other races for each card at Aqueduct and beyond, you can check the Racing Dudes’ Free Picks page or subscribe to their Premium Selections and get detailed analyses for every race, every card, every track around the country.