How to bet Aqueduct's Friday late pick four - Feb. 3, 2012
Here's my race-by-race rundown of Friday's late pick four at Aqueduct. I'm building my wager with TicketMaker, found exclusively on DRF.com.
Race 6 (claiming race $36,000)
There wasn't much between BIDDY (#1) and ULTIMO PRINCIPE (#4) when they last met, when they were just a nose on the wire, and that makes them tough to separate here. Given the solid figure earned either can certainly win this. SENSATIONAL SLAM (#9) ran big in defeat in his first start off the claim, finishing within a length of the winner despite mild early fractions. Better splits are likely today, and that should only move him up. Schmooz Talker adds blinkers and may be worth using as a backup (3).
Race 7 ($64,000 optional claimer)
The entry of STARFORADAY (#1) and MINESWEPT (#1A) is almost a must-use given the fact that both fit well in terms of Beyers, and they also both have the tactical speed to get position. DE PRICE (#3) was a good 2nd in that last one despite having to close into mild fractions, and the fact that he improved two back in his 2nd start off the layoff bodes well for his chances here. CROSSBOW (#5) turns back to a sprint, and this does seem to be his best distance. SAMS SPARKLE (#7) beat CROSSBOW in his latest try at this distance and the resulting Beyer fits here; nice work for this. DRIVEN BY SUCCESS is capable on his best but he does seem to be a cut below the top runners in his current form, making him a "B" in this sequence. Lesser tickets will include El Gran Sol and Admiral Perry (4).
Race 8 ($65,000 maiden special weight)
CAPTAINS CAT (#1) has never tried two turns but he's the one to beat here nonetheless, as his Beyers are best in this field. Trainer Chad Brown has enjoyed a strong start this year and he also does well with horses stretching out from a sprint to a route. Back-up tickets will include Acadian Blues, Voter, Deluxe Package and Riboletti (1).
Race 9 ($30,000 maiden claimer)
SHEEDS PAISLEY (#1) has never been this far but she's bred to go a distance and this is a weak field; ability to close ground late a big plus, as there doesn't figure to be much running late from this crew. MOJITO MINT (#8) also comes out of sprints, and though she was well off the winner in her two route tries on the main track those were on wet strips. Tropical Jetset fits in terms of her figures but her overall record makes it tough to use her on all tickets; I'll use her, but as a backup (2).
My wagers
With TicketMaker I'm able to put greater emphasis on my "A" selections while still having coverage with my "B" and "C" picks just in case. This allows me to maximize my budget for this pick four.
