Sunday’s TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Wilburnmoney can rebound from a difficult trip
Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 3:50 p.m. (ET) | Go To The TimeformUS PPs
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Three of the fillies in this field contested the Key Cents Stakes in November at Aqueduct. Tainted Angel (#7) finished ahead of Bliss to You and Wilburnmoney that day, but she also had by far the softest trip of the three. This filly has run well in both of her starts for Rudy Rodriguez, but she’s run her best races on or near the lead, and I wonder if she’s hindered by Irad Ortiz’s typically less-aggressive tactics. It’s also worth noting that the Rudy Rodriguez barn has been in a bit of a slump lately after enjoying such a stellar start to the inner-track meet.
I would actually prefer Bliss to You (#4) over Tainted Angel, given what is likely to be a much higher price. This filly got a wide trip in the Key Cents, and then again last time out in the New York Stallion Series. This was especially significant since there was a fairly strong rail bias in place, especially early in the day, on Dec. 18. While she lost by almost three lengths, she easily could have won that race with an inside trip.
I’ll use both of the aforementioned fillies, but the one that I want the most out of the Key Cents is WILBURNMONEY (#6), who finished sixth.
Very little went right for this filly as she was off about a length slowly and was shuffled back through the opening furlong, ultimately finding herself in last place, detached from the rest of the field. She appeared to be uncomfortable with all of the kickback, and Jose Ortiz wisely steered her to the outside on the far turn. Once she got clear, she actually made a long, sustained run to pass half of the field. All things considered, this was an encouraging effort. She figures to show more speed than that in this spot, though she doesn’t necessarily need the lead. I’ll use her with recent maiden winner Mizzen Max (#5), as well as the two others out of the Key Cents.
THE PLAY
Win/Place: 6
Exacta Key Box: 6 with 4,5,7
Trifecta: 6 with 4,5,7 with 1,4,5,7,9