It took a very good colt (Idol) to deny this colt a debut win at Churchill Downs in late September but with that race under his belt this speedy son of Hard Spun would not be denied in his most recent outing at Belmont Park last month, with both outings producing strong speed figures. Today, the B. Cox-trained sophomore moves into first-level allowance company while stretching out to a one-turn mile, and given the projected pace flow he seems certain to be the controlling speed without any early pressure. Given that type of trip, we’re expecting him to score again, and at 5/2 on the morning line we’ll make him a win play and rolling exotic single.



Aqueduct Sixth Race – Post Time: 2:15 ET
9 – Third Draft (6-1)

Was given an easy run in her debut when rallying from far back to be a fast-finishing third sprinting over the Belmont Park turf course last month and today should get serious with that bit of experience behind her and this stretch out in trip. Maidens from Shug’s barn almost always improve (21% with a strong flat-bet profit), so we’re expecting this daughter of Curlin to step forward in a big way. Listed at 6-1 on the morning line and offering considerable value at the price, she’s a solid win play and rolling exotic single.



Del Mar First Race – Post Time: 12:00 PT
9 – Superstition (4-1)

Progressive daughter of Ghostzapper graduated over this course and distance two weeks ago with a career top performance, one that should allow her to successfully handle this one-level class hike despite the quick turnaround. The R. Mandella-trained filly projects to draft into a comfortable pace stalking trip and then have every chance to seal the deal from the quarter pole home. F. Prat stays aboard and knows her well, so at 4-1 on the morning line let’s make her a win play and rolling exotic key.



Del Mar Third Race – Post Time: 12:59 PT
10 – Du Jour (6-1)

Nice 2-year-old prospect is bred for turf (Temple City) and makes his debut over a mile on grass in this wide-open maiden juvenile miler that seems within his capabilities. Has done every in the morning like a very nice type for B. Baffert, gets M. Smith, and should be plenty fit following a strong, healthy work tab. He’s 6-1 on the morning line and we suspect he’s much better than that, so let’s try him in the win pool and as a rolling exotic single.



Del Mar Fifth Race – Post Time: 1:59 PT
4 – Anaconda (7/2)

Loved his debut maiden win over the local lawn three weeks ago, and while he’s stretching out, moving up to face winners and giving away loads of experience to his seasoned rivals this son of Pioneerof the Nile appears to be a cut above the norm. The R. Mandella-trained colt has trained very well since raced, retains D. Van Dyke, and projects to be on the lead or in a comfortable stalking position throughout. He’s 7/2 on the morning line and at that price he’s quite playable.