Aqueduct | Race 2 | Post Time 12:40 p.m. (ET) Wesley Ward runners typically attract plenty of attention when they ship in to the NYRA circuit, and Floodlites (#1) is another that should prove popular with the bettors. He's exiting a career-best performance at Keeneland for which he earned a 105 TimeformUS Speed Figure. He was only defeated $80k conditioned claimers that day, but it was a relatively strong field for the level. It was just the second dirt start of his career, and it looked like he really appreciated getting back on this surface. He's logical, and he has the tactical speed to get forward in a race that doesn't feature a ton of pace. The likely leader is Sacrosanct (#6), but he's tough to trust after disappointing in his only appearance this year. That was the Grade 3 Gotham, but he never looked like himself, failing to get forward position and fading readily. It's possible that he was a precocious two-year-old that just hasn't gone on, and the fact that Linda Rice doesn't name one of her primary riders might be a red flag. I prefer Rice's other runner Ranger Battalion (#5), who has been well managed since Rice claimed him for $50k this spring. He picked up plenty of checks against starter allowance foes before breaking through at that level last time. His recent performances are slightly better than they look on paper, since he moved too soon into a fast pace two back, and last time closed into a slow pace. He should stack up well against a group that isn't that strong for the level. My top pick is My Mitole (#4), who returns on short rest, having just competed a week ago on Cigar Mile day. While that was also an N1X allowance, this race didn't come up nearly as tough as last week's contest. He was facing future stakes horse Life and Times, and no one could get close to that dominant winner. While he was never winning that race, the post position and ride didn't do My Mitole any favors. He was hung outside right from the start, and Flavien Prat made little attempt to save ground, handling him very conservatively while content to lose ground into the lane. He did ultimately set him down in the stretch, and he actually finished with good interest. He also ran better than it seems two back when he was wide against a minor rail bias. I don't mind him turning back, and he's reunited with the jockey who piloted him to both career victories.