Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Synthesis can return to winner’s circle on class drop

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 3:40 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

It's hard to fault the recent form of likely favorite Amundson (#5). He comes into this race having paired up back-to-back top speed figures at the ripe age of 6. He had to work hard for that $40k claiming victory two back, and didn’t get much respect from the bettors when he stepped up against N2X optional claimers last time. Yet he improved again off the claim for Linda Rice, displaying improved early speed before lasting late. The one criticism I can lodge is that he has gotten away with moderate paces in each of those victories, and he could face more pressure from the likes of Fire Sword here, though he’s drawn well outside that foe for a barn that has enjoyed a strong few months on this circuit.

I’m trying to beat him with the likely second choice SYNTHESIS (#4). This gelding would obviously be a serious threat to the favorite if he runs as well as he did when winning an N2X race in late September. He did have some things go his way that day, as he was wide throughout on a day when the rail appeared to be dead. That said, it was encouraging to see him fight back for the victory after getting headed in midstretch. He never really had a chance in the Fall Highweight last time as he was riding the rail and taking kickback in last in a race that didn’t feature a particularly fast pace. The stretch-out to seven furlongs should suit him, and he’s generally been in strong form since cutting back in distance earlier this year.

I would be mildly surprised if anyone else won this race, though Market Alert (#7) has been an overachiever and could improve off the claim for Rob Atras.

THE PLAY

WIN: #4 Synthesis, at 7-5 or greater