It is a big day across the country on Saturday and New York is no exception where the card at Aqueduct includes five graded stakes races. Add to that a two-day Pick 6 carryover of $110,188. The Turf Classic (G1) and Woodward (G2) are the headliners, but there are quality wagering opportunities throughout the afternoon. Here are a few horses I will plant my flag on at the Big A.


Race 1:

#6 Igniter is the one to beat in this 2YO MSW over Aqueduct’s one-turn mile configuration. The Volatile colt ran a big third on debut despite making a five-wide moved under jockey Manny Franco. He was 26-1 that day, but will be far shorter in this spot making me want to look elsewhere. I landed on #4 Forever Man. The $210,000 Keeneland September 2024 purchase faced two solid groups of juvenile runners to kick off his career going 6-furlongs, including last out when he chased the pace of highly regarded Hero Declared and dominant winner It’s Our Time. The son of Bolt d’Oro tired in the end, but gets more ground here against a softer group. I am expecting a big forward in career start number 3 for the Glen Hill Farm colt.

Play: #4 Forever Man (6-1 ML)


Race 8: Gallant Bloom (G2)

The two morning line favorites in this 6.5-furlong dash over the main track both possess significant early speed. #1 R Disaster used it to her advantage over the off track at Saratoga last out, while #8 Senza Parole went a bit too quick off the near year layoff on August 24. R Disaster will be tough to catch if Dylan Davis tries and is able to relax Senza Parole in her second start off the bench, but otherwise there is a decent chance the two chalks duel each other into defeat. I will hope to get the perfect trip off them with #6 All Class. The Kantharos mare comes in having 2 of 4, but was turned away by R Disaster last out. It very well could happen again if the ML choice is able to control things early. That said, I expect a different race shape, which hopefully paves the way late for the Florida-bred claimed by Rice with her own $62,500 last October.

Play: #6 All Class (10-1 ML)


Race 9: Vosburgh (G3)

This $200,000 7-furlong dash over the main track is relatively wide open. #9 Crazy Mason is the best horse in the race, but is very much up against it given the lack of early speed signed on for a graded stake at one-turn over the main track. I am hopeful #6 Baby Yoda gets an aggressive ride out of the gate by jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. and avoids leaving too much to do when they turn for home. The 11-time winner was outrun in a strong edition of the Vanderbilt (G2), but bounced back with a win against allowance foes on August 29. Trainer Robert Falcone Jr. and Flying P Stable dipped in for a cool $100k to claim him and bring him back a month later in a tougher spot. He might not be quite as fast as he once was, but he has still run a few really good races in 2025 and should be good value on Saturday afternoon.

Play: #6 Baby Yoda (6-1 ML)