Friday's TimeformUS Highlight Horse: An improved St. Louie returns to New York

Aqueduct | Race 3 | Post Time 1:18 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Both Roman Approval (#1A) and Gold Shield (#4) figure to take money in this spot after finishing just behind Call Provision last month at Belmont Park. That runner returned to finish a strong second in the Grade 3 Red Smith earlier at this meet, validating the form of that race. However, Call Provision was much the best that day, so I don’t want to give these two too much credit.

I’ll use them, but my top selection is ST. LOUIE (#3). (click on PPs for full-size image)

This horse has been in excellent form for Mike Maker ever since stretching out to marathon distances on the turf. He was a game fourth at long odds behind a talented trio of runners in the Kentucky Turf Cup two back, and he followed that with an allowance win at Keeneland. At first glance, it might not seem like a positive that he won by only a half-length as the even-money favorite. However, he made an early move to the lead and was very game to hold off two runners that had saved ground all the way. Considering the circumstances, it was a strong effort. Mike Maker has great numbers in turf marathons. Over the past five years, he is 13 for 55 (24 percent, $2.81 ROI) in turf races at 10 furlongs or farther on the NYRA circuit.

THE PLAY

Win: 3

Exacta key box: 3 with 1, 2, 4

Trifecta: 3 with 1, 2, 4 with 1, 2, 4