Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Clear Conscience should finally get better trip
Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 2:40 p.m. (ET)
Most of the horses in this statebred allowance race faced each other in a similar spot last time on Oct. 12. Let’s Go Big Blue (#11) won that day, but he’s stuck on the also-eligible list. Among those in the main body of the field, Bettrluckythangood (#6) figures to attract support even though he has lost as the favorite in two consecutive starts at this level. His running style often leaves him with plenty of ground to make up, but he has closed well in each of his last few races even without ideal trips. He’s a contender, but I thought others might offer better value.
Locke and Key (#9) is another in a similar position as a deep closer who is often at the mercy of race flow. He did run into traffic when attempting to make his rally in that same Oct. 12 affair, and then was simply overmatched against a tougher field in the Mohawk last time. He gets a positive rider switch to Flavien Prat, but will need pace to develop up front.
Gem Mint Ten (#7) looks like the primary speed after leading and fading to third in the Oct. 12 race. He generally performs best when’s able to get loose up front, but he could face some early pressure from Laurel Valley (#10). Among those who figure to be forward, the best value option might be Born Dancer (#2), who ran on well for second at a price in that same race. He got a confidence booster when winning against softer company two back and was asked to go a distance that was too far three back. This is the right spot, and he drew well.
My top pick is Clear Conscience (#1), who hasn’t had the easiest trips in his two prior starts at this level. He lost all chance at the start two back when he stumbled badly and got checked back to last. From there, he launched a wide far-turn move, losing even more ground before understandably tiring late. Then last time he was competing in the race so many of these are exiting, where almost every horse who had success rode the rail for a significant portion of their trips. He was stuck two to three wide around both turns, which proved to be a disadvantage over a course that was favoring inside paths. Now he’s switching into the barn of Chris Englehart, and getting a rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz Jr. Most importantly, he drew well inside and should have an opportunity to save ground.