Thursday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Traveling can make better use of his tactical speed on the stretch-out

Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 2:55 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Super Silver (#6) has to be considered the horse to beat due to his overall consistency at this level. He’s making his sixth consecutive start for this $50,000 starter-allowance condition and he’s already finished second three times. That was the case last time when he had to settle for the runner-up position as the 6-5 favorite in the slop, but a repeat of that performance would make him difficult for this field to beat. He has to stretch out to 1 1/8 miles this time, but he broke his maiden over this distance so it shouldn’t be a problem. I’m using him prominently, but I prefer the runner who finished directly behind him last time.

TRAVELING (#1) was an intriguing contender for Rudy Rodriguez in that Dec. 14 race since his form for prior trainer Cherie Devaux had been fairly inconsistent. While he may not have run his best race ever first off the trainer switch, I thought there were some things to like about the performance. He showed he can be effective rating off the pace, something he hadn’t done well before, and he was closing well in the final furlong over a track that was favoring speed for most of the day. He strikes me as one that shouldn’t have a major issue with the stretch-out to nine furlongs, and he drew a great inside post position for this distance. I wouldn’t be surprised if Reylu Gutierrez takes advantage of the rail draw and just sends him to the lead.

Others to consider include Spectator Sport (#5), who would be a factor if he continues progressing for Linda Rice, and Danny California (#7), who is due for some luck and should appreciate a little added ground.

THE PLAY

Win: 1

Exacta Key Box: 1 with 3,5,6,7

Trifecta: 1 with 5,6,7 with 2,3,5,6,7