View Full Version : Aqueduct Showdown
OTM Al
10-25-2004, 01:49 PM
Ah, the chill is in the air and New York racing moves back to Aqueduct. I know it is generally considered the weak sister of the 3 NYRA tracks, but it is the one I first learned to play the horses at so it makes the winter monts a bit brighter for me.
Speaking of Aqueduct of course, they have ongoing entry through Wednesday for the Showdown for the fall meet. $10 entry fee per entry, pick one horse to finish in the top 3 each day of the meet (33 in all). I just entered and hopefully will last longer than the last couple contests I was in :) Anybody else in? Will be sharing my picks here as I did with the Meadowlands contest. Would enjoy hearing from others who are playing as the contest progresses
Buddha
10-25-2004, 02:29 PM
I will be signing up an entry or two. Will also try to share my picks.
Buddha
10-27-2004, 04:12 AM
Signed up 2 entries.
Going with
1st Race #4 Slippery Slick
and
5th Race What A Game
I honestly dont like much on the whole card.
IRISHLADSTABLE
10-27-2004, 08:02 AM
Ah, the chill is in the air and New York racing moves back to Aqueduct. I know it is generally considered the weak sister of the 3 NYRA tracks, Quote From OTM Al
Good Morning,
Good luck to all of you entered in the Showdown contest at Aqueduct. You all know by now how I feel about
NY racing at Aqueduct during the winter.I'll be moving my tack to
Fairground's on Tranksgiving day.
Everyone enjoy Aquesucks.
Jimmy
:rolleyes: :D :rolleyes:
OTM Al
10-27-2004, 09:15 AM
Must agree with you Buddha, very uninspiring contest wise. I am going to watch closely what happens the next couple days. Been forming a theory about what I will call volitility for lack of a better word during the opening few days of a track. If it follows through, I will expect to see some very big prices, out of line with the rest of the meet on these first few days. That said, I'm going with Gold Dancer in the 5th. Strong performances at high level claimers which are tougher races than a NW1X....that and the fact that it is the shortest field on what I think may well be a topsy turvy day.
I know that Aqueduct is a totally different turf setup than you will find at Belmont or Saratoga, its very quirky. I'll be looking for past Aqu form on the lawn to catch some long prices until winter sets in!
OTM Al
10-27-2004, 03:01 PM
Phhhheewwww! Survived the first day with a 3rd. First day started looking chalky but it looks like the bombs are starting to fall in the 4th and 5th...see what the rest of the day brings. What a Game just took out about 21% of the pool with a 4th place finish
Buddha
10-27-2004, 03:50 PM
Originally posted by OTM Al
What a Game just took out about 21% of the pool with a 4th place finish
Including one of my entries :(
OTM Al
10-27-2004, 04:22 PM
But it only take one to win! :)
OTM Al
10-27-2004, 04:48 PM
Bombs away on the first day just like I thought. Haven't seen a 4 of 6 be the best in a P6 in a long time at a NYRA track. And it still paid $455 for the consolation.
Buddha
10-28-2004, 02:01 AM
Not much I can get excited about on Day 2 either.
Went with the 5th race #2 SABRE BABY
OTM Al
10-28-2004, 10:06 AM
That's the one I settled on too, though I stared at a couple in the 3rd race for a long time before backing down. Sabre Baby looks pretty good though. Has the combination of high and consistant Beyers with being close up on the stretch call, which is the key factor for me when i look at a turf race. Having Joe Bravo, who is a very good turf rider, up doesn't hurt at all either
OTM Al
10-28-2004, 02:37 PM
Easy win for us today Buddha! Already had a look at tomorrow and am currently leaning toward Gainango in the 3rd, but will wait til tomorrow to finalize. Hope Migliore is okay after his mount flipped on him in the gate before the 4th. I believe he's supposed to have a BC mount.
Buddha
10-28-2004, 07:15 PM
Originally posted by OTM Al
. Hope Migliore is okay after his mount flipped on him in the gate before the 4th. I believe he's supposed to have a BC mount.
http://www.drf.com/news/article/60359.html
Says he is fine and will ride in the BC
Buddha
10-28-2004, 09:27 PM
Originally posted by OTM Al
Already had a look at tomorrow and am currently leaning toward Gainango in the 3rd
That is who I decided on. Looks much the best in the field. I was between that one and Gails Drive and decided with Gainango just because of the class droppers in Gails race.
OTM Al
10-29-2004, 10:24 AM
I'm going to take him, but what's going on with Wild Evasion in the same race. Quarter million dollar horse running his first race as a maiden claimer with a couple bullet works on his tab. Looks like one they are begging someone to claim to recoup a little cash. Wouldn't touch that one ever.
OTM Al
10-29-2004, 01:34 PM
Another easy winner for both of us today. Leaning toward Primary Suspect in the 3rd tomorrow. Definite figure edge and a bit of a class edge on all except for Polish Rifle, but he looks to be in this race to get himself right rather than be a true contender. Add that to the lightly raced 3yo angle and Primary Suspect looks to be a big win candidate to me.
Buddha
10-29-2004, 02:21 PM
I am actually leaning towards Lucky Gamble in that race, but not sure what I am going to choose. I know that it rained here in OH today, so I dont know what that will do to the turf races tomorrow. I would assume they keep the stake on the turf, so i may even try to pick a horse from there.
OTM Al
10-29-2004, 02:52 PM
Rain is in the forcast for all day tomorrow here
Buddha
10-30-2004, 02:00 AM
Was tossed between Lucky Gamble in the 3rd and Bending Strings in the 4th. Went with Lucky Gamble and hoping it is such :)
OTM Al
10-30-2004, 06:47 PM
Lucky Gamble indeed. When they crossed the line I thought you were out, but he held. Just got home from watching the BC, and all the pain involved, so going to look at tomorrow in a bit. We're dead even at 3-0-1 :)
Buddha
10-31-2004, 12:33 AM
would have been better taking the second horse, but i am still alive. tomorrow nothing just jumps off the page, but took Rize in the 2nd. Just hope the horse on the rail doesnt get in a duel with Rize. Hopefully Rize sits just off and doent get in a duel.
OTM Al
10-31-2004, 09:37 AM
Rize is the one I was going to go with at first, but the class drop has me a little concerned about him. One weak result at what had been a level he was doing consistantly well at, and he is dropped down. It scared me off in the end. I also thought good and long about What's the Point in the first, and while he looks the clear favorite, too many others in the race looked to have a chance to improve. I finally settled on Gygistar in the 7th. I don't think he's the mortal lock the DRF makes him out to be, but he looks good enough to get the job done. Nice blowout recent work, faced the best this year and fared ok. A couple of the others, if on their game, could drop him out of the money, but he looks as good as anyone else today to me.
Buddha
10-31-2004, 01:05 PM
I didnt like the drop in class either, and missed the race, but saw he just finished 3rd. phew. :)
Buddha
10-31-2004, 01:08 PM
now i saw the replay :) guess i got a clear 3rd. and of course the horse on the rail that i thought would quit wins and pays $27+
OTM Al
10-31-2004, 03:11 PM
As they say, a walk is sometimes as good as a hit. I missed the early races today too. Bought a new parrot and have been playing with him. Gygistar is about to go off. Looks like about a quarter of the field bought it today, so am hoping hard that he doesn't up it to 35%
OTM Al
10-31-2004, 03:23 PM
That was way too close. When Lion Tamer got by him I thought he was done. I was actually yelling at my TV.....Remember Aqueduct runs next on Tuesday, dark Wednesday, and back to regular on Thursday.
OTM Al
11-01-2004, 09:56 PM
No one really saying pick me for tomorrow. Have some interest in Big Sids Party, Salute, and Better Than Bonds, but all are beatable. Big Sid will probably be the way I go in the end, but this card is the toughest for me to see through so far
Buddha
11-01-2004, 11:36 PM
ended up with defer in the 8th. was between that one and better than bonds. chose defer. gl with your choice
OTM Al
11-02-2004, 09:43 AM
Went with Big Sid. If I go down, a lot of people will likely go with me, but he is a trooper and has better back class than the rest. My biggest worry is that he doesn't feel like racing anymore. He is getting a bit old for the track
Buddha
11-02-2004, 12:18 PM
Originally posted by OTM Al
Went with Big Sid. If I go down, a lot of people will likely go with me, but he is a trooper and has better back class than the rest. My biggest worry is that he doesn't feel like racing anymore. He is getting a bit old for the track
scratched. hopefully your post time fav runs well. that is who they replace him with isnt it?
OTM Al
11-02-2004, 12:38 PM
Damn. This is how I got knocked out last time. Yeah, it goes to post time favorite. I had Grey Traffic in the Saratoga Showdown, who had garnered a lot of support and got switched to the favorite, who also had good support and finished well back. That one bombed out around a thousand entries if I remember right.
Hard to tell who will be the favorite out of the rest of that lot. If it stays with his entrymate, I can live with it, but if it slides to Northwest Hill, I'm going to be plenty worried. Stupid having to go to work........
OTM Al
11-02-2004, 02:01 PM
Man I hope I get through today. Pericles just took out 28% of the remaining entries in the third and if Rockport Harbor bombs, another big chunk will go
OTM Al
11-02-2004, 04:04 PM
Looks like I scratched into a winner and you got a place with Defer. And on we move......Looking forward to seeing Rockport Harbor's performance. He didn't stand out in that field like his press seemed to make him to me, but it looks like he got the job done.
OTM Al
11-03-2004, 08:40 AM
Ah, one of the great thrills of the online contest. My entry is shown on page 1 of the results!!!!! Still a bit of work to do though. Currently looking at Secret Messenger in the 1st for tomorrow. Looks to be a slam dunk. His worst Beyer is better than almost all the fields' best and he's running his second race off layoff. Don't like the fact that he couldn't get it done in the Md50000, but even a mediocre race by him should still have him in the top 3
Buddha
11-03-2004, 09:08 PM
I am between Secret Messenger in the 1st, who will prolbably get about 30-50 percent of the remaining picks, or Good Edition in the 7th. According to CJs figs, Good Edition shoudl win easy. I know I am going to be getting up early tomorrow, so I wont be making my final decision til then, but will be one of those 2.
OTM Al
11-04-2004, 11:21 AM
Good Edition does look like a good win candidate. Guess the only knock I could see is a moderately quick turnaround after the first race, so there is a "bounce" possiblity, but the works look solid, so I think she will get you through. I did stay with Secret Messanger, though I know you are right that he's the kind that could potentially wipe out about 70% of the field. Good Luck
Buddha
11-04-2004, 12:39 PM
i too decided on secret messenger. i didnt like the statebred maiden win to open nw1 for good edition, but he will prolly win cuz i didnt use him.
OTM Al
11-04-2004, 02:55 PM
Don't matter cause we are free and clear. I get the idea that Secret Messanger will run his races just good enough to finish second, but for us, good enough. Now we can cheer for Good Edition and Alfonsia to finish out and wipe out a chunck of the pool :)
OTM Al
11-04-2004, 03:25 PM
Hmmmm....turned out it did matter. Good Edition tired badly in the stretch to finish fourth and there goes about a hundred more of our competitors! Been looking at the form for tomorrow while doing laundry. Kind of a quandry for me as I see several I like. Dynawhite in the 3rd, Areek in the 5th and Cookie Crumbs in the 6th. All have faults, but all look solid. Dynawhite looks to be in good shape and doing the turf to dirt while dropping in class. Areek looks sharp after the layoff. Cookie Crumbs has the best back class of the lot, but the big class drop is a bit off-putting. Will sleep on it and see what tomorrows weather and scratchings brings. Likely going to be wet tomorrow. Having one of those all day soaking rains right now
Buddha
11-05-2004, 01:03 AM
I ended on Watchem Smokey in the 8th. Like you, nothing screamed out. He has a class edge on this bunch, and should have a hot pace to run at. An off track also wouldnt hurt his chances. I think that if he runs out, so do quite a few remaining entries.
There were a few others that I was considering, but none that really jumped off at me. Mariakel was one that I thought long and hard about in the 5th, but decided against her.
OTM Al
11-05-2004, 11:25 AM
I'd made up my mind for Cookie Crumbs, but then she scratched, so I shifted to Garrett's Girl in the same race (6th). After the defections, she shouldn't have much competition. You may well be dead on about Watchem Smokey, but that race scared me off. He's going up against a solid group of local runners. Even only with 5 horses in that race, I was to afraid to touch it. Good luck to us both. The field is getting small.
Buddha
11-05-2004, 12:14 PM
i wish i would have waited til hte scratches. the off the turf race went down to 4 horses. should be easy enough to find one that can beat at least 1 horse :)
OTM Al
11-05-2004, 03:13 PM
I knew there were a ton of scratches in that race, but didn't realize how many til after I made my pick. No matter though, Garrett's Girl got me through. That 22 sec first quarter into the wind, which is roaring today btw, was something. The 3rd and 4th place finishers got close in the end, but she had the place locked up. Don't think too many are going to go out today. Be cheering for you in about a half hour!
OTM Al
11-05-2004, 05:40 PM
Was worried about him for a second there, but he got the job done for you. Mr. Whitestone looked to be well on his form again today though. Look for him in the winner's circle a few more times this winter. Tomorrow looks a little nasty again. Was leaning toward Space Hero, in the 6th I think, but there are a couple unraced potential monsters in there, that Pletcher trained Giant's Causeway fellow for a big one. Savedbythelight in the turf stakes interests me too. Will wait for the scratchings again tomorrow to decide. Might clear up the picture for me in a couple of the races
Buddha
11-06-2004, 11:56 AM
you dont have to worry about space hero now.
I am considering a couple of horses. Salic Law in the 3rd, Daddy Joe in the 6th, and Aces Cappella in the 2nd. Not sure which one i am landing on, but thinking Salic Law. Only got 20 minutes to make up my mind :)
OTM Al
11-06-2004, 12:03 PM
I just decided too. Took Expedition Leader in the 2nd. He's the only one I figured would most likely hit the board. Its a bend over, grab your ankles and pray real hard kinda day for this contest. As for real betting, it looks like a good one, and I'm off to do just that!
Buddha
11-06-2004, 12:56 PM
i went with salic law. had thought about expedition leader also, but wasnt sure about the move from Del to Aqu although there is a class drop involved.
Buddha
11-06-2004, 01:02 PM
well now that 2 horses i was considering hit the board in the 2nd, i have to hope mine can in the 3rd
No sweat there eh J? That race was very rewarding indeed!
Buddha
11-06-2004, 01:31 PM
whew. after that beginning i was really hoping. a little rank in the gate, had a saddle readjustment, and still held on to win the race
Buddha
11-06-2004, 01:34 PM
Originally posted by cj
No sweat there eh J? That race was very rewarding indeed!
though i didnt bet any real money :( nice exacta for the race
CJ & Jarrod,
Not a bad payoff for two top fig horses :cool:
ZAFONIC
OTM Al
11-06-2004, 09:36 PM
Money wise it was a bit rough for me today. Hit a couple nice ones at Calder, but the big A was the mess that I thought it was going to be. Actually surprised that most of the players made it through today. Took a quick look at tomorrows form but had a few beers, so no early picks. Tomorrow looks like another bear. Big fields from a NY bred stakes day. Glad we both made it through though.
Buddha
11-07-2004, 01:38 AM
Going with Space Hero in the 3rd. Had to pick early as I am going to the Steeler-Eagle game and won't have time in the AM.
Good luck with your pick
OTM Al
11-07-2004, 09:48 AM
I liked him yesterday in a tougher spot, so he is going to be my pick as well. If for some reason he were to scratch, I'll go back to another previous pick of mine, Big Sid's Party. Today was much easier to see through once yesterdays beers wore off.....Enjoy the battle for Pennsylvania bragging rights.
OTM Al
11-07-2004, 02:04 PM
Well, we've made it 10 days. Looks like at least 20% of the remaining entries have gone out already today and half the card isn't even run. See ya back here Wednesday
Buddha
11-07-2004, 07:07 PM
yea, he prolly scratched yesterday to run in todays since it did look easier. ran second, but good enough to advance us. good thing you didnt end up on big sids party. booted a bunch of entries
OTM Al
11-08-2004, 08:54 AM
Yeah. Actually was cheering against the big guy after making it through. The race I was glad not to have a horse in was the one you won on saturday. Sallic Law came around that corner and just kept going slower and slower and slower, yet managed to still give you the win. I wasn't sure if any of those horses were going to make it to the finish and that stunning 1:53 and change was ugly. I probably would have felt very ill during the eternity it took him to get the job done. See a couple good runners for wednesday in the entries, but will see how it all stacks up. Looks like there is a 5 horse race in there too.
OTM Al
11-09-2004, 09:12 AM
Upscaled looks awfully good in the 3rd on Wednesday. I'm sure he's going to take a lot of the entries.
OTM Al
11-10-2004, 11:27 AM
I went with him. Would be shocking if he doesn't hit the board. 2 of the 5 look completely outclassed. I'm sure this one is going to take at least half the remaining entries. Kinda liked Cassette Case in the second as well, but that is a fully subscribed field, so feel safer with Upscaled
Buddha
11-10-2004, 11:55 AM
I too had to go with upscaled. like you mentioned, short field, looks best, and only has to beat 2 horses. will have a bunch of entries on him. just hoping to make it to the next day :)
Buddha
11-10-2004, 01:18 PM
only 65% of the entries picked upscaled. :)
Buddha
11-10-2004, 01:27 PM
whew. all i can say is that i am glad that i am moving on. not impressed at all with his race.
Buddha
11-10-2004, 01:28 PM
i just realized that 15% of the pool was eliminated with the 1 horse.
OTM Al
11-10-2004, 01:50 PM
Led the entire way, faded in the stretch, but held for show. The two horses I hated in the race finished 1-2. Freddy the Cap took out about 30 more entries for us though. Just gotta keep staying alive.
OTM Al
11-10-2004, 07:11 PM
Several races have solid standouts on Thursday, but I think I'm going with Shebelongstoyou in the 3rd. Smuggler has the look of a future champion in that race, but I'm going to go with the experience and the slightly longer turnaround time, which I think is very important in baby races. Just like Wednesday's race, this is one I would be very surprised to see off the board with such a small field, but about 30 people said that about Freddy the Cap yesterday...I'm steering clear of those two Maiden Claimers too. The heavy ML favorites look a little fishy to me.
Buddha
11-11-2004, 01:01 AM
not sure who i am going with yet, but was thinking along the lines of you. i liked shebelongstoyou and think that smuggler is bred to be a champ, but dont know about first time aroud 2 turns
OTM Al
11-11-2004, 09:19 AM
I went with her. Not going to worry about scratchings in that race.
OTM Al
11-11-2004, 01:34 PM
That was a nice easy place. Fun race to watch in a way since there was no early speed at all it ran almost like a turf race with that big sprint at the end. Already decided tomorrow. Taking the girl against the boys, Successfully Sweet, in the 2nd. Best Beyers by far and girls are usually a little more developed than the boys at this point.
Buddha
11-11-2004, 02:42 PM
I chose her also. nice way to keep going. we also got the added bonus of 16% of the entries eliminated in the 4th when seeking the ante finished 4th
OTM Al
11-11-2004, 03:54 PM
Yeah, that horse probably would have won easy but she stumbled badly on the break. Don't know why jocks burn their horses up like that. He had no reason to rush her up to the lead after that. Had he bided his time a little she may have had enough in the stretch run to get the job done.
I have just discovered my parrot is against me in this contest. He was eating my friday DRF. Seemed to like it much more than his bananas and yams.....
Buddha
11-11-2004, 04:27 PM
another 9% gone with One Tough Dude. Going to have to look over tomorrows fairly well. Down to about 140 or so left after todays 25% gone
OTM Al
11-11-2004, 05:03 PM
130 to be exact. Successfully Sweet will be the one for me tomorrow barring a scratch.
OTM Al
11-12-2004, 11:43 AM
......and she was scratched. She was the only one I felt 99.9% sure of for today. Switched to Dancin on Broadway in the 4th. I do not like the quick turnaround between races for a 2yo, but the rest of the field looks pretty crummy, so maybe she will be fine.
Buddha
11-12-2004, 12:13 PM
i didnt like anyone with any confidence. ended up chosing Our Rite Of Spring in the 6th.
Others I was thinking about were Gershowitz in the first,
Bizzy Trick in the second, your horse and Eye Dazzler in the fifth. Hopefully we both make it to the next day.
Buddha
11-12-2004, 12:39 PM
well, had a $13 winner in the first. lets just hope the horse i did chose can do the same
OTM Al
11-12-2004, 01:01 PM
Favorites out of the money in the first 2 races will likely do some damage. I don't like my choice much, though as I said, she should be okay. The one I wanted in the first place probably would have creamed what I just saw in the 2nd. Glad I waited for scratchings. Good luck to us both!
Buddha
11-12-2004, 01:33 PM
Bizzy Trick 12%
12% gone with him. NYRA pages says 113 left, so 27 already gone today. your horse better win. I got an early pik 4 going with your horse singles and 3 in the 5th
Buddha
11-12-2004, 02:02 PM
Well I got the pik 4 going to the 1,4, and 5. paying 126, 653, and 116. i am rooting for the 4 :)
Buddha
11-12-2004, 02:51 PM
got our rite of spring to win, didnt bet though at 9/2 :( oh well, i am advancing to the next day, with a winner that wasnt 1/2 like 37% of the field :)
OTM Al
11-12-2004, 02:52 PM
Well I'm glad mine won to put you in position for the final leg. I must ask though. You picked Our Rite of Spring in the contest, and rightly so as he just won by about 15 lengths, but didn't put him on your ticket? At least you are still alive for 17 large :) Just realized the P4 ended with the 5th. Retraction of previous question
Buddha
11-12-2004, 02:55 PM
lol, thats ok. i was going to play a late p4 but didnt as i am getting ready to head to work. was going to play 3,5 with 3,13 with 2,6 with 10. hopefully i wouldnt have hit it since i didnt play it and had a 9/2 to start it.
for tomorrow they have already announced off the turf if you didnt hear it. got to find one for tomorrow :)
OTM Al
11-12-2004, 03:28 PM
Thanks for mentioning that. I had heard and I meant to tell you, but got so confused with the P4 thing it slipped my mind. My early fav for tomorrow is Willy 0' the Valley. Must put my form where the parrot won't get it.......
Buddha
11-12-2004, 09:44 PM
too bad i didnt end up betting that late pik 4
$2 Pick 4 3-13-2-10 (4 correct) 347.50
oh well. i did like willy o the valley at a quick glance tonight, but i am on my laptop at work, so I cant look real well. probably wont make my mind up til the morning to see what scratches there are.
OTM Al
11-13-2004, 11:24 AM
Went with Willy. Scary moments this morning as we lost power for a while. Would rather get knocked out through my own mistake rather than a force of nature, but all is well.
Buddha
11-13-2004, 12:02 PM
i went with willy also. doesn't look like many can run as good as him. i wanted to use the 1 in the first and coudlnt, also wanted to use the 2 in the second and couldnt. will be rooting with you as i think possibly a lot could.
OTM Al
11-13-2004, 12:33 PM
Yeah, I think he'll get hit pretty hard. John Imbriale from the NYRA show has me nervous though, left him completely off, though his sidekick had him on top. In that field though if he runs anywhere near his potential, he should hit the board no problem. Hoping that stakes race draws off a lot of the entries. There could be some topsy turvey results from the look of that one. As I write the 1 just got inhaled by the field. Glad you stayed of him.
Buddha
11-13-2004, 02:23 PM
Some much for that. horse goes down. so much for that run
OTM Al
11-13-2004, 02:35 PM
What a crappy way to go out too. He was making a nice move and would have hit the board for sure. At least both horse and rider looked to be ok.
OTM Al
11-15-2004, 10:36 AM
Now that I feel like looking at the races again after that disaster, I've got to say we did pretty good. Close enough to almost taste it good. Beat nearly 2800 entries. Don't think they have a showdown while the inner is running, so will rest up for another run at it next spring. Hope you come along again for the ride.
Buddha
11-15-2004, 12:35 PM
I will definitely be back. Be it the inner or spring meet.
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