We have plays in a pair of stakes races, one on each coast, on this dreary winter day, which happens to be the last Sunday in January. We expect a wet main track in the East, and fast turf out West; let’s go.
Aqueduct, Race 9, 3:47 pm ET
$100,000 Rego Park Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Dirt, New York-bred 3-Year-Olds
It looks like a rainy day at the Big A, which means that the Rego Park, which drew six entrants, will be run on a wet track. That is actually a good thing from a handicapping perspective, as 7/5 morning line favorite 3-Antonio of Venice, who would be tough to beat on fast dirt, looks vulnerable in the slop.
We like 5-Always a Warrior. He broke his maiden at Saratoga back in July, on a track rated sloppy, and we like that he’s shown an affinity for the kind of going he will get today. We also like his post, as drawing outside will allow jockey Eric Cancel to avoid having mud and water kicked in his face during the race’s early stages. We don’t think Always a Warrior is going to wow anyone today with a dashing turn of foot, but we do think he is going to plug away, and wind up first at the finish line. We will bet him to win at 6-1. The bet: Aqueduct, Race 9, $40 to win on 5-Always a Warrior.
Santa Anita Park, Race 7, 6:41 pm ET
$100,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Turf, 4 & Up
The Clocker’s Corner drew a field of eight. We like the looks of 8-Sumter, who has a good finishing kick combined with potent early speed, which is the ideal combination of attributes for races down the Santa Anita hillside turf course. He’s competed at the distance twice, and while he’s never won, he did run well both times, and did so against far tougher competition than he will face today. Look for Sumter to be forwardly placed early, to move to the front as the field comes out of the far turn, and to hold off the closers late. We will bet him to win at 4-1 odds. The bet: Santa Anita, Race 7, $40 to win on 8-Sumter.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.