How to bet Aqueduct's Friday Pick 4 - April 6, 2012
[bc_video_id:248115:]Here's my race-by-race rundown of Friday's pick four at Aqueduct on April 6, 2012. I'm building my wager with TicketMaker, found exclusively on DRF.com.
Race 6 (Maiden claiming race)
MISTRETTA (#1) has closed ground through the stretch in each of last five sprint starts, while settling for 2nd/3rd place finishes in four of them, but she may have found a field she will finally be able to track down. BLUSHING KARAKORUM (#6) gave way after getting hooked into a duel as the favorite two back, and elected to try to rate on the dropdown last out. Switches to new trainer and rider, would like to see them revert to aggressive tactics. Backing up with longshot BRIOLETTE (#9) as a "B." Think getting to an outside post will help her, and she’s run races that make her competitive with these horses.
Race 7 (Allowance race)
Tough to ignore the owner/trainer change on DOWNTOWN HOTTIE (#4), who couldn’t get a win while running one competitive turf race after another at the end of last year. MANERO (#3) went well vs. fellow NYBreds on grass at two, and was convincing winner against open company down in Florida last out. Trainer has good numbers in allowance races on turf with last out maiden winners: 4-for-11 (36%), $3.90 ROI. REBELLIOUS CHIC (#8) had trouble getting a race on turf last fall after enduring two-year layoff, but wired a field with a competitive figure over this course the last time she did.
Race 8 (The Patsyprospect)
ZETTERHOLM (#3) & COALITION (#4) came through with strong performances running away from allowance field on March 4, with Zetterholm prevailing with off-the-pace run. Think Coalition, who improved greatly in that race, has a real chance to reverse that decision, but will use both.
Race 9 (Claiming race)
QUIXSAND (#5) has disappointed since getting trainer change to Mike Hushion, but only turf start for this barn came in six-furlong sprint off the layoff, and she may simply be a better horse on this surface. CHALK PLAYER (#4) began her career on turf with several solid efforts, and has held decent form on the main track since claimed back in January. Hoping the switch over to grass bumps her up at a big price. TIGER GIRL (#6) got very little racing in last year after displaying promising two-year-old form on grass. Ships up and drops a bit with blinkers on for new barn. APTPHILLY (#1) also returns to grass, a surface which she handles, with a big class drop and a good post to use her tactical speed.
My wagers
With TicketMaker I'm able to put greater emphasis on my "A" selections while still having coverage with my "B" picks just in case. This allows me to maximize my budget of $200 for this pick four (and come up $2 under budget).
