Fornatale: How I'll play Aqueduct for Monday, Jan. 15, 2018

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a chance to remember a great man with lots of great ideas that seem as relevant today as ever. That’s about as political as I’ll get because we’ve got horses to bet on a special Monday card at the Big A. I’ll look to the Pick Three starting in the sixth race for today’s action and will keep the bets very simple.

Race 6: I’ll use a few in here to get things started. Starlight Racing’s #10 TILT is obvious off of trainer Todd Pletcher’s excellent numbers with firsters, a good outside draw, a steady worktab and some pedigree power. Of the ones who have run, I like #2 ST. AUGUSTINE, adding blinkers on the cutback for Jimmy Jerkens. He could be a wire-to-wire threat if the firsters turn out to be a subpar group.

Race 7: The TimeformUS pace projector projects a fast pace here so I’ll focus on two runners who will come from off the pace and try to include the best speed horse as well. The slight cutback should agree with #3 GIANTINTHEMOONLITE, who has shown good closing kick in the past. #4 WE DID is a hard horse to figure out, but I want on my tickets based on the finish he’s shown at times and because of trust in the Chris Engelhart barn, who sends him out for the second time off a significant layoff. Gary Contessa’s re-claim #6 MIGHTY ZEALOUS warrants consideration based on his tactical ability. He may have the talent to be competitive at this higher level.

Race 8: The featured Interborough. #3 BOULE could be the value off a visually impressive first-level allowance score for a barn that often brings them along slowly and then keeps them in form. She’s got the finish to make an impact in the lane. #6 COME DANCING hasn’t put a foot wrong in two career starts and is too sharp to ignore. She won last time like there was more in the tank and should be included. I’ll press her one time just because she will be a much lower price than Boule.

The Bets:

$3 Pick Three 2-10 with 3-4-6 with 3-6 ($36)

$1 Pick Three 2-10 with 3-4-6 with 6 ($12)