NYRA Preview: Aqueduct 2/17

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

Only one of the five entries in this field have multiple races under her belt, but none of those were all that impressive. The duo of #1 Giveitsomewellie and #1A Smart Set are my preferred choices here. It doesn’t happen very often that an entry has two different trainers, but that does not take away from the horses themselves. Smart Set is by Into Mischief and has two bullet works, one of which was her most recent going 5 furlongs in 1:00.60. Look for these two fillies to take charge in this 6-furlong sprint.

Ricky’s Picks: 1/1A-4-5-2

Race 3: $68,000 MSW for 3-year-old maidens going 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt

This race has the looks of a match race between Cowtown and Distorted Sky. These two did battle in their most recent race on January 25 here at the Big A. #3 Distorted Sky finished a length behind Cowtown but Distorted Sky was the aggressor and challenged Modernist, who has since gone on to win the Risen Star Stakes down at the Fair Grounds. Distorted Sky should be able to get the lead on this group and win with ease.

Ricky’s Picks: 5-2-6-4

Race 9: $60,000 MSW for New-York-bred 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs on the dirt

This is the most difficult races on the card to predict due to the amount of entries there are in the field. My top choice who will start all the way on the outside, is #14 More Graytful. The biggest concern is clearly the post position, but I think his running style suits him well in this spot. He doesn’t need the lead so Jorge Vargas Jr. can place him mid-pack and get him in a spot to win in the stretch.

Ricky’s Picks: 14-7-12-13