Beer: Aqueduct pick four for Saturday, Dec. 2

Race 7: The first leg is nearly impossible to get a strong handle on, at least to me. I'm going to try to get through it with something of a spread and then cross my fingers.

Main: 8, 9, 11, 12
Backup: 2, 5, 10

Race 8: In the Demoiselle, I don't get morning-line favorite WONDER GADOT and am not using her. What am I missing? I prefer MAURER POWER, who exits a fast win sprinting and has given the impression of a horse who wants more distance. INDY UNION improved with distance and fast dirt last time even though she didn't beat anything. DAISY's last race doesn't thrill me, but she can clearly win.

Main: 1, 5, 6
Backup: none

Race 9: I get that AVERY ISLAND faces some 2-year-olds with real potential in the Remsen and that he doesn't hold much of a figure edge as it is, but I like him and think he will get better with more distance. I am leaning on him and backing up with the two maidens, TRIPLE DOG DARE and ALKHAATAM.

Main: 3
Backup: 2, 7

Race 10: A very tough Cigar Mile closes it out. I am taking a position against SHARP AZTECA while recognizing him as the horse to beat in this race. I like PRACTICAL JOKE getting back around one turn, hopefully with a little more pace this time after trying to close into that BC Dirt Mile that did not develop up front. SEYMOURDINI and MIND YOUR BISCUITS are my other main horses, while Sharp Azteca will complete a winning ticket only if everything breaks right in the first three legs.

Main: 1, 2, 8
Backup: 6

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