By Joe Quillen
Aqueduct (Belmont at the Big A) Race 3 – Affirmed Success Stakes
Let’s head up to Aqueduct for an early race as we will look at the third race, which is the Affirmed Success which is a race for New York bred older horses going six furlongs on the main track. There’s only five horses entered but it should be interesting nonetheless. Post time is an early one at 2:05 pm Eastern time.
Let’s begin on the rail with the favorite #1 Rotknee (7/5 morning line). He dueled for the lead two months ago (to the day) in the Tom Fool over a sloppy track. There is a potential for a speed duel here once again today.
#2 is Donegal Surges (5/2 ML) and has won the last two races. Steps up into state bred stakes company today but could he stalking here ready to pounce as they turn for home like last race.
Sheriff Bianco (7/2 ML) is the three here and he returns from a race at the end of November. He’s shortening up to six furlongs but trainer Linda Rice is very strong with horses with longer layoffs. Should be a couple of lengths behind and be ready to show a strong kick in the stretch.
Number 4 is Thrill of It (6/1 ML) and he chased the leaders in an optional claimer. May have just been a race that you toss because he closed well in his previous three starts at Aqueduct.
Finally the 5 is Excellent Timing (4/1 ML) and this horse might he even faster than the 1. At the very least, he is guaranteed to duel with the favorite here which is going to set things up nicely for the closers here. He also has an excuse of breaking through the gate before the start of the race last time out.
This race is screaming closers here. I think Rotknee and Excellent Timing burn each other out. I think that this is setting up for the closers, and I think Donegal Surges takes it. I’ll call this 2-3-4-5-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Good luck everyone!
Reminder that this Saturday’s “Also Eligible” will be live from 8 to 10 am on The Sports Radio 102.9 The Game app, The Bleacher Brothers YouTube, X and Twitch accounts as well as on BroadStSouth.com and BleacherBrothers.com. It will be Kentucky Derby Day and we will look at the Run for the Roses as well as some additional races on the Churchill card.