Aqueduct Saturday: Comely Stakes Analysis, November 25, 2023

Aqueduct has officially made the transition to winter racing. Their Saturday card, featuring the Comely will be exclusively run on dirt.

The dirt course can be winterized which allows for horses to remain safe even when the winter weather roles in. Since the same cannot be said for the turf course, it gets shut down in the winter and will reopen in the spring.

Full Card Analysis

Aqueduct- 1

The race begins at 11:50 AM ET, showcasing a $45k Maiden Claiming over 6 1/2 f on dirt with 9 entries.

• #1 KID'S LAST LAUGH (5-2) claims the top spot. She showcases races strong enough to outclass this group. Expecting a late surge, she possesses a good closing kick that could secure victory.
• #8 TAKE TIME TO DREAM (4-1) is a fringe contender. Making sense on speed figures, she owns solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed.
• #9 PUT THE CRAZY AWAY (5-1), recommended for inclusion underneath on most tickets, poses a potentially dangerous threat to get loose on the front end. Going out for the Pletcher barn with Carmouche in the irons, she demands attention.
• #5 PARTY IS OVER (6-1) appears destined for minor placings. Making sense on speed figures and well-bred for this race, she is a contender for the lower spots.

Selections: 1 – 8 – 9 – 5

Aqueduct- 2

Starting at 12:20 PM ET, this $36k Claiming race covers 1 m on dirt, featuring 6 entries.

• #5 ICE ROAD (7-5) claims the top pick, holding solid early pace figures in a race lacking prominent front-running speed.
• #6 BLAME D RULE MAKER (9-2) looks good hear and fits in well with this field.
• #3 JEEPER (8-1) is equipped with solid early pace figures in a race lacking notable front-running speed.
• #1 DISAPPEARANCE (3-1) is not without hope, making sense on speed figures.

Selections: 5 – 6 – 3 – 1

Aqueduct- 3

Commencing at 12:50 PM ET, this $28k Claiming race spans 6 f on dirt, featuring 7 entries.

• #2 SHASI (4-1) claims the top position. Positioned in the second tier of runners, Shasi is expected to make a well-timed run at the leaders, holding the top overall power rating.
• #4 AFILADA (5-2) runs races strong enough to surpass this group. Afilada is expected to sit mid-pack and unleash a potent closing run.
• #5 K D KAKES (2-1) is a definite threat. Holding the top overall power rating, this Falcone and Franco combination demands respect.
• #1 BEST COAST (9-2) is poised to be competitive, potentially posing a threat to get loose on the front end.

Selections: 2 – 4 – 5 – 1

Aqueduct- 4

Set to begin at 1:19 PM ET, this $60k Claiming race covers 7 f on dirt, featuring 10 entries.

• #6 PRETTI XTREME (4-1) secures the top selection. Potentially getting loose on the front end, this contender seems to fit well within this field.
• #2B FANCY AZTECA (5-2) is expected to be a major player. Going out for the Dutrow and Gomez combination, Fancy Azteca demands respect.
• #1A STARSHIP DEFIANT (2-1) is going out for the Jacobson barn with Franco in the irons. This contender poses a threat to get loose on the front end.
• #1 ROYAL MEGHAN (2-1) is a fringe contender, likely to be in the first flight of runners and in with a chance late.

Selections: 6 – 2B – 1A – 1

Aqueduct- 5

Starting at 1:48 PM ET, this $28k Claiming race spans 1 m on dirt, featuring 10 entries.

• #8 HAMMERIN AAMER (9-5) claims the top pick, with races strong enough to outclass this group and holding the top overall power rating.
• #3 MY FRIENDS BEER (5-1) will be a factor here. Making sense on speed figures and going out for the Noda and Franco combination, this contender demands respect.
• #1A FLAMINGO HAWK (4-1) is recognized as a major player. Not expected to struggle with the distance, this contender possesses tactical speed for a stalk and pounce trip.
• #1 WINNING DRIVE (4-1) will likely be competitive, making sense on speed figures and likely to hit the board in this type of race.

Selections: 8 – 3 – 1A – 1

Aqueduct- 6

Commencing at 2:17 PM ET, this $75k Allowance race spans 6 f on dirt, featuring 8 entries.

• #2 REIGNING CHICK (4-1) claims the top spot, fitting well within this field.
• #5 BETTER HUMOR ME (5-2) is likely to be in the first flight of runners and in with a chance late. Proven to handle these conditions, this contender is a solid choice.
• #7 QUEENS MASTERPIECE (3-1) is likely to be in the first flight of runners and in with a chance late.
• #3 BIG BEAN CHRISTINE (7-2) looks solid. Possessing tactical speed, this entrant can sit just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip.

Selections: 2 – 5 – 7 – 3

Aqueduct- 7

Launching at 2:45 PM ET, this $32k Maiden Claiming race spans 6 f on dirt, featuring 9 entries.

• #2 LITTLE SKIPPY (3-1) claims the top selection, boasting the pedigree to be a major player in this spot and appearing to be the class of the field.
• #9 PINE ALLEY (12-1), a price horse, secures the top spot, fitting well within this field.
• #1 WHENLOVETAKESOVER (7-2) is a good bet to hit the board in this type of race. Making sense on speed figures, this contender is a solid choice.
• #6 ALIBI IKE (2-1) is backed by solid connections going out for the combination of Ward and Velazquez. Boasting the pedigree to be a major player, Alibi Ike demands respect.

Selections: 2 – 9 – 1 – 6

Aqueduct- 8

The race kicks off at 3:15 PM ET, featuring a $92k Allowance Optional Claiming race spanning 1 m on dirt with 8 entries.

• #1 BUSTIN BAY (9-5) takes the top spot, holding the group's highest overall power rating and entering the race in excellent form.
• #2 INTO HAPPINESS (7-2) is identified as a major player. Displaying consistency in recent starts, she appears prepared to deliver a strong performance. Benefitting from a potentially hot pace up front adds to her competitive edge.
• #5 AMANDA'S FOLLY (6-1) should handle the distance comfortably.
• #8 TONED UP (5-1) is facing the challenge of making a strong push in the lane. However, with a competitive run, she shouldn't encounter trouble with the distance.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 5 – 8

Aqueduct- 9

Beginning at 3:43 PM ET, this $200k Comely S. race covers 1 1/8 m on dirt with 8 entries.

• #8 RAGING SEA (5-2) stands out as the top contender. Unlikely to face trouble with the distance, she has been consistently strong in recent starts and is poised to deliver an impressive performance.
• #7 DEFINING PURPOSE (3-1) is a possibility of becoming a dangerous threat if allowed to get loose on the front end.
• #1 ICHIBAN (12-1), a price horse, is likely to be in the first flight of runners, she stands a chance late in the race. Ichiban has been consistently strong in recent starts and is ready for a significant performance.
• #4 JUST KATHERINE (9-2) could be in contention. With tactical speed, she can position herself just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip.

Selections: 8 – 7 – 1 – 4

Aqueduct- 10

Scheduled for 4:10 PM ET, this $36k Maiden Claiming race spans 6 f on dirt with 10 entries.

• #4 SWEET LIBERTY (4-1) secures the top selection, fitting well within this field. With solid early pace figures in a race lacking a ton of front-running speed, she is a strong contender.
• #9 FOLLOW THE FED (8-1) is a major player. He classes up well with these.
• #10 LADY BANKER (9-2) will likely win this race by clearing off and running away. That could be a possibility here. This contender shouldn't encounter trouble with the distance.
• #2 MO DAMORNINGGROUCH (6-1) has solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed, she is in the mix.

Selections: 4 – 9 – 10 – 2

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Friday

• Churchill Downs featuring the Grade 2 Clark Stakes

Saturday

• Aqueduct Picks featuring the Grade 3 Comely Stakes
• Churchill Downs Picks featuring the Grade 2 Golden Rod and Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club

Sunday

• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 3 Native Diver

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