Bernier: How I'll play Aqueduct for Sunday, Nov. 11

Given that the condition of Aqueduct's turf course on Sunday is suspect, I’m going to avoid the surface altogether. I’m planning to focus on two races on the back half of Sunday’s card in Ozone Park – specifically races 7 and 9.

RACE 7
OUTPLAY (3) will receive plenty of attention at the windows, as he’s dangled for a tag for the second time in as many races for trainer Todd Pletcher. This son of Bernardini has every right to win a race like this, but I don’t believe he has any real edge on the rest of this field. Conversely, a horse that appears to be rounding back into his best form and has a real shot at top honors is JOHN JONES (4) for trainer Lacey Gaudet. A 6-year-old gelding, this son of Smarty Jones rebounded nicely in his most recent start at Laurel, finishing second in a restricted stakes race that came off the turf. He may not be the John Jones of old, but I believe he still has enough left in the tank to be a factor in this race Sunday – and at a square price.

RACE 9 – NY STALLION SERIES
HIGHWAY STAR (8) has been one of my favorites over the past handful of years, but I do believe there’s an opportunity to take a shot against her on short rest in this spot. Having run just eight days ago in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, I wonder if we’ll be seeing the best version of Highway Star on Sunday. I suppose it’s possible that she won’t need her best to win, but she’s going up against some salty New York-breds that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The price horse I’m most interested in is ANDESINE (6) for trainer Chris Englehart. Andesine has been stuck at the open N2X level for the last half of 2018, but the return to statebred company could put her in an advantageous position. Her career record at Aqueduct is solid (7-2-2-2) and she has lovely tactical speed. I’ll take a bit of a flier on her at her 12-1 odds and back her up in an exacta with Highway Star on top, just in case.