Aqueduct is where you will find the most interesting racing action in the United States this weekend. There are four graded races to look forward to at the track this weekend, as fans look to get their fix following the Breeders’ Cuplast month. The Cigar Mile headlines the card, and boasts a purse of $750,000.
Cigar Mile (Grade 1)
One of the biggest races to be held at Aqueduct this season takes place on Saturday, as the Cigar Mile is run. Horses aged three and older can compete in this race, which is run over a mile.
Following Sea will be a very interesting contender this weekend for trainer Todd Pletcher, but the dominance that older horses have had over the three-year-olds in recent months would be enough to put us off. He was last seen when third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, which was a fine effort after winning the G2 Vosburgh.
We would be willing to take a chance on Ginobili this weekend. The four-year-old ran on well in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, but came up against a Life Is Good that wasn’t for passing. Back-to-back wins before that run bodes well, while he was excellent travelling when winning the G2 Pat O’Brien in August.
Pick: Ginobili
Go For Wand (Grade 3)
The Go For Wand is the female equivalent of the Cigar Mile, as it run over the same mile distance, but is run by fillies and mares aged three and older. Seven have declared for this contest, including Sharp Starr, who won this 12 months ago.
Her form since that victory hasn’t been the best, as she has won once in five starts this season. However, it is interesting that she returned following a two-month break with a victory in the Empire Distaff Handicap on her last start.
Lady Rocket holds the best form in the book coming into this and won the Pumpkin Pie Stakes on her most recent start. She has won three from seven in 2021, and has finished in the top three on the remaining four starts. She has better stakes form than much of this field, and she will take the world of stopping if she is at her best.
Pick: Lady Rocket
Remsen Stakes (Grade 2)
Grade 2 action for the two-year-olds also takes place at Aqueduct on Saturday, as eight go to post for the Remsen Stakes. Mo Donegal will be one of the most interesting horses in this field, as he was absolutely stunning at Belmont on his last appearance. That speed figure of 97 showcased his dominance on that day, but a better selection could lie elsewhere.
Instead, we will be going to the opposite end of the stalls, as we like the chances of Zandon this weekend for Chad Brown. While he may not have been as impressive on his last appearance, he still hit an 87 speed figure, and looked to be crying out for a longer trip after blitzing the field over six furlongs. He tracked the leaders well in that race, before surging ahead to win by a length and a half. Another win here could firmly put him in the Kentucky Derby spotlight.
Pick: Zandon
Other Saturday Racing Picks
| Demoiselle Stakes (Aqueduct) | Miss Interpret |
| Copa Velocidad Stakes (Camarero) | Kharamelon |
| Starlet Stakes (Los Alamitos) | Tonito’s |
