Aqueduct: DRF Plus handicapping report for January 18, 2014

Race 1

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Race 2

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Race 3

Spot Play

MAKE THE MOMENT (#6, 9-2) is a closer who requires some pace help, but there appears to be enough speed on paper to give her a chance in here, and I can’t take either the 2-for-20 Jitney or likely favorite Pennymine on top in this race. - Mike Beer

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Race 4

Vulnerable Favorite

PAX IN TERRA (#8, 5-2) is one of the ones in this competitive looking field, but being trained by Pletcher means she’ll take some extra money “just because” and while she was second best to the promising Uncle Sigh (93 Beyer) last time she was far, far back that day; he can win, but there are plenty of other interesting options in this race. - Mike Beer

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Race 5

Live Longshot

Marriedtothemusic is heavily favored at 3/5 on the morning line, and is going to win this race if running any one of his last three figures, but it’s been awhile since he improved so dramatically at Saratoga (where has he been?), and THE BROTHERS RAP (#11, 20-1) is much better than he may appear on paper; had his prep off the long layoff and is eligible to take a big step forward here. - Mike Beer

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Race 6

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Race 7

Live Longshot

SAM SPARKLE (#8, 30-1): May be sitting on a bounce-back effort at a big price in this second-level allowance/optional claimer, after winning with a lifetime top Beyer for new connections off a short layoff, followed by a regression in a restricted stake. Won a small stake on the inner track two winters ago. --Dave Litfin

SAM SPARKLE (#8, 30-1) may or may not be good enough to win this but he certainly figures to have the race flow in his favor, and the Beyer he posted two back puts him in the mix; needs the field to stay intact -- the speeds need to stay in, anyway -- and given that he should be well positioned to make an impact in the lane. -Kenny Peck

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Race 8

Spot Play

With Saratoga Snacks scratching to run on Sunday, this may simply come down to a case of who you prefer between up-and-comer Long River and back-classer Cease, but I’ve been impressed with the races COUGAR RIDGE (#8, 10-1) has run since switching over to dirt, and he ran right over a horse who would’ve looked pretty good in this field last time in Mr. Palmer. - Mike Beer

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Race 9

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