JC / Railbird

20 Stops to Aqueduct

It looks like the A train is running locally this weekend, which makes for a long trip to Aqueduct from Brooklyn, but at least my ride will be smoother than War Pass’ trip from Florida — turbulence rocked the Wood favorite’s plane and War Pass banged his head, requiring three stitches under the chin.
Quick Wood picks: As a fan, I’m rooting for War Pass to rebound. As a handicapper, I’m playing against the short- priced favorite coming off a clunker. I’m going to go with Texas Wildcatter, who was on the improve before the Gotham, but really jumped up with the addition of blinkers, and I’ll be taking a close look at Count Fleet winner Giant Moon (reported to be doing great, although trainers always say that). Like War Pass, he comes off a performance too bad to be believed, finishing last in the Gotham after winning his first four starts, but that was on a foggy day over a sloppy track and I’m willing to ignore that running line.

Keep track of the 14 stakes races scheduled for this afternoon with this handy timetable thrown together by Steven Crist. Note that eight — including all five Grade 1 races — will be run between 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET.


3 Comments

So, Jessica, what did you make of Tale of Ekati? Everytime I commit to him, he disappoints, and then he surprises me when I just about give up on him. I made the mistake of feeling the same way about Nobiz Like Shobiz before last year’s Derby…though he matured as the year went on (and he switched to turf). I’m curious what you thought of Ekati’s effort vs. War Pass today. Is he maturing? Can we take him seriously come Derby day?

Posted by Valerie on April 5, 2008 @ 9:13 pm

Thanks for posting the link to that timetable, it was very handy! =)

Posted by Jen on April 6, 2008 @ 9:56 pm

I’m always taken by game horses and that’s how I’d describe both War Pass and Tale of Ekati in the Wood, but those final fractions were so slow. I wish Tale of Ekati had another prep race — it’s so hard to tell what his form is, or will be four weeks from now, off his two races this year.

Posted by Jessica on April 9, 2008 @ 9:53 am