Aqueduct | Race 3 | Post Time 2:11 p.m. (ET)

Linda Rice sends out a couple of contenders in this claimer, including potential favorite Will Not Be Swayed (#5). This filly is getting class relief that she probably needs after trying a much tougher field on turf last time. While she has run well on grass before, she's nearly as talented on dirt, and was mildly compromised by a slow pace in her last dirt race in March. She does get Flavien Prat aboard, but that's a double-edged sword as it means she's likely to take more money.

Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 3:16 p.m. (ET)

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 4:53 p.m. (ET)

I don't have a major problem with Aperitif (#8), who seems like the horse to beat based on her turf sprint efforts from last year. However, she is returning from a layoff and it's unclear if she'll be ready to return to that level in her first start off the bench.

Aqueduct | Race 4 | Post Time 2:44 p.m. (ET)

Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 3:16 p.m. (ET)

Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 3:48 p.m. (ET)

 Turf season gets underway this week at Aqueduct, but it's actually one of Friday's four dirt contests that might be the most competitive race on the card. There's no clear favorite in the sixth race, which goes as a first-level New York-bred allowance over 1 1/8 miles. Only the two rivals who bookend this field are coming off victories, and they figure to attract support by virtue of those recent wins.

RACE 8: DONCHO has become a new horse since placed on turf and when last seen was facing much tougher Grade 2 company. He projects to be the speed of the speed and will hope to set easy fractions and then hold off the closers. HAD TO HAVE HIM has a huge late kick as seen in back-to-back Laurel turf stakes triumphs. If all the speed collapses, he will be the one picking up the pieces late. SCHWARZMEIER put it all together in his last when widening on the lead and posting a new Beyer top at this distance. (3)

Aqueduct | Race 5 | Post Time 3:16 p.m. (ET)