NYRA Preview: Aqueduct 2/27

Race 7: AOC for 4-year-olds and upward going 1 mile (8 furlongs) which have never won $10,000 three times other than maiden, claiming or starter bred allowance races. Claiming price: $80,000

Today’s 7^th race is one of the better Allowance Optional Claiming races that Aqueduct has to offer. Wicked Trick has been on a tear recently winning every race since Linda Rice got her hands on this 5-year-old. Since she has taken over, Wicked Trick has gone on to win by open lengths in every start, except for one on December 28. While he comes into this race on a five-race win streak, my top choice comes from the outside in #6 Musical America. His last race was very impressive as he dueled with the Chilean Leitone in the stretch, until he got passed by Sir Winston in the final 1/2 furlong. Losing to Sir Winston is no shame even though he was the favorite entering the starting gate. Before that second-place effort, he won his last race for Rob Atras finishing ahead of Grumps Little Tots and Felix in Fabula. I expect speed to his inside from Seethisquick and Han Sense which aligns well with his running style. Look for Musical America to sit the hot pace and run down the leaders in the stretcg as he looks to get back to his winning ways.

Ricky’s Picks: 6-1-5-3