Handicapper Tips & Picks

#7 MYSTIC NIGHT connections could have intent for this spot first off the claim. He was not picked up cheap going in for the $62.5k tag less than three weeks ago. He is just eligible for this condition based on a OC/25k event last April at Oaklawn Park - a race for a $106k purse. In addition, MYSTIC NIGHT has form here at Aqueduct breaking his maiden (MSW) and allowance following. Another event was run at today's 9f distance (sloppy) the win back in February 2022 - Franco was aboard for all of those races and is aboard today, riding strong so far this meet. Even with those factors in play he could be overlooked for the connections, recent running lines and other "named" barns in the field. 

This is a competitive race and a case for "price" runners. Intent looks in play for Giangiulio with the entry and appears #2 ROCCO STRONG intended with a solid AQU record and second off the layoff/claim with a positive distance change back to a mile. His prior races, form and class stack up on par. #4 SIX PERCENT will give up recency though with a trending Englehart barn to compensate. Davis is familiar with this runner and this runner this course/distance as well. #3 SALTO DE TIGRE has not been the "win" type as of late though has held his form, picked up a steady string of checks and no reason to think that cannot continue here. 

#6 RADIO RED turned in a competitive race under similar conditions last month at SAR and that race being his first start off the two month break. He has run well not only under similar conditions (class) but also at AQU and in this timing of the form cycle - a second off pattern with the dominant maiden win back in February. 

#9 BREW PUB could also fly under the radar given the time off and recent running line and finishing position. Prior to that open company appearance, BREW PUB had been competitive and competitive under similar conditions including the win back on April 30th. Trending the opposite for Asmussen right now and definitely cold on the Kentucky/CD circuit to consider with #5 PERFECT MUNNINGS in this spot and as the projected favorite. 

#8 MONEYSHOT returns to make his second start from a productive 8/5 MSW (without restrictions like today's MSW) at Ellis Park. Not only did the race produce a pair of next out winners including the Iroquois (G3) winner West Saratoga but also saw improvement all around from others out of that race.