Every Friday thru Sunday 1/ST BET handicapper Jeff Siegel offers his best wagering opportunity from a selected North American racetrack. These “Best Plays” can take the form of a win wager, exacta, trifecta, or a daily double, pick-3, pick-4 or pick-6.



Aqueduct – Eighth Race – Post time: 4:55 ET
1-A Longlongtimeago(9/2)

This sharp debut-winning son of Maclean’s Music takes the immediate jump into stakes competition but could easily be up to the task based on his thoroughly professional performance in a fast, highly-rated and productive heat in mid-January. Overcoming a rough start and traffic trouble on the turn, this quick-actioned sophomore was maneuvered to the outside for clear sailing into the lane and took control with authority close home. Today’s extra furlong won’t be an issue, of he can secure clear sailing from his rail post the J. Abreu-trained can spring a mild surprise in this year’s edition of the Damon Runyon Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds.



Santa Anita Park – Eighth Race – Post time: 4:24 PT
5-Away From the Sun (2-1)

Unbeaten in a pair of impressive Bay Area outings first in a maiden claimer and then in starter’s allowance company, this B. Wright-trained 4-year-old takes her talents to Southern California for this state-bred first-level allowance turf sprint, and if she can transfer her synthetic form to grass the daughter of Smiling Tiger should be able to keep her record unblemished. Sher has an ideal stalking style for this course and distance, speed figures that are simply faster than the competition, and a Golden Gate Fields work tab that is sharp, steady, and healthy. She’s 2-1 on the morning line and if he can get that price we’ll use her with confidence in the win pool and in rolling exotic play.