Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 2:39 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

The Great White Way Division is definitely the more wide open of the two New York Stallion Series Stakes on this card. There are a couple of turf horses in the mix who could attract support. Maseta (#3) might be the most naturally talented runner in this field based on his solid third-place finish in the Central Park last time. He does have some dirt pedigree on his dam’s side, but he’s only raced on turf and will be bet for the wrong reasons. The same goes for Geno (#6), who had a tougher trip than Maseta last time, but has all turf pedigree from his dam. I instead want to go for horses who have raced primarily on dirt. 

Unique Unions (#1) is the one to beat in my view. He was prematurely pulled up in his debut after taking some awkward strides, but he rebounded with a dominant maiden win last time at Aqueduct. He has plenty of speed and should be contesting the pace from the rail. Though there are plenty of others who could try to attain forward position. 

My top pick is STIRDATPOT (#8), who ships in from Kentucky. This Florida-bred colt by Trinniberg debuted against open company at Churchill Downs facing a pretty strong field. The impressive winner returned to just miss in a stakes at Oaklawn in his next start, and the seventh and eighth place runners both returned to win with significantly improved speed figures. He has the tactical speed to be prominent throughout and is drawn well towards the outside. Trainer Genevieve Londono has been enjoying a strong year and I think she’s shipping in a horse with a real chance to make an impact. And he figures to be a square price due to the unfamiliar connections. 

I’d also want to use some other maidens at prices underneath. Safalow’s Mission (#4) can improve off the trainer change to Linda Rice after selling for $130k at Fasig-Tipton this month. I would even give a look to massive longshot Hot Stepper (#5), who ran better than it appears last time when conservatively ridden early. This half-brother to Broadway Bay has more ability than his running lines indicate.

THE PLAY

Win: 8

Exacta Key Box: 8 with 1,4,5,9

Trifecta: 1,8 with 1,8 with 3,4,5,9,11