NYRA Preview: Aqueduct 2/15

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