Aqueduct | Race 2 | Post Time 12:18 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

Linda Rice has entered a pair of runners in this N1X allowance. Scilly Cay (#6) is the one who looks more immediately appealing off his third-place finish against starter allowance foes last month. He met a very good rival that day in Greeley and Ben, who returned to win the Fall Highweight in his subsequent start. However, the runner-up came back to regress and I wonder if that race may be a little overrated. 

I also find it interesting that Rice’s top stable jockey Jose Lezcano lands on her other entrant LEDDY (#7) after riding both runners in their most recent starts. Leddy disappointed when he tried this level last time, but I didn’t think he got the best trip that day. He came on the track wearing front bandages for the first time (something to note on Saturday) and just seemed to react badly to drawing the inside post position. He failed to attain a forward position early and just steadily got shuffled back along the inside. He then had trouble straightening out when attempting to run through kickback in upper stretch. All things considered he didn’t run that badly, and I find it encouraging that Rice is opting not to drop him in class. He seems like a horse who does better racing outside of rivals, so this wide draw should suit him much better. He’s my top pick, but there are some others to consider. 

Digital Future (#3) would obviously be a serious threat if he ran back to his last performance, where he dominated a group of starter allowance foes. He clearly has some dirt ability and is thriving in the Ray Handal barn, but he could have a tougher trip coming his way with more speed signed on here. 

Handsome Cat (#2) is a bit more intriguing to me, as he makes his second start off the claim for David Jacobson. He was game to rally for the victory at Penn National last time. I also wouldn’t put much stock in his prior effort at Los Alamitos, since he completely botched the start, leaving the gate about 5 lengths behind the field. He’s capable on his best day and will appreciate any pace that develops up front.

THE PLAY

WIN: #7 Leddy, at 3-1 or greater

USE: 2