Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 3:22 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

Bourbon’s Hope (#1A) looked like the stronger half of the Linda Rice entry and he’s the one that she will run in this spot. This horse has more representative races that make him a strong fit for this level than anyone else in this field. However, it’s not as if he’s showed much improvement since getting claimed by Linda Rice. He couldn’t get the job done as the favorite off the claim back in November, and then was no match for a tougher field two back. Dropped back down to this level last time, I thought he ran on decently after getting mildly steadied on the backstretch. However, he still lacked some late punch. He’s the one to beat, but I’m not thrilled with the idea of taking a short price on him. 

My top pick is another horse exiting that same race. B C GLORY DAYS (#2) finished several lengths behind Bourbon’s Hope in that Jan. 1 event, but I thought he arguably ran just as well. He broke well but then got eased off the pace before making a middle move to challenge the leaders on the far turn. He ultimately faded, but he was also racing over a wet track that he may not have cared for. His prior effort on Dec. 9 was excellent, as he ran off setting legitimate fractions before settling for second. Then last time he again made a premature move going a demanding 9 furlongs, which is just too far for him. He’s back at the right distance and I think he could get a more patient ride from Katie Davis. 

The other horse that I want to use at a big price is Romanoatsee (#7). He’s light on speed figures, but he’s steadily been improving since launching a comeback last fall. He’s bred to handle route distances and strikes me as one that will get getting with added ground.

THE PLAY

WIN: #2 B C Glory Days, at 5-2 or greater

USE: 7