Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 3:57 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

This starter optional claimer is one of the more competitive races of the day, as you can build a case for every horse in this field. The one to beat, and likely favorite, is Howzyourcashflow (#3), who will try to prove that her 9-length debut triumph was no fluke. She was risked for a $20k tag that day but ran like a horse that could have won a maiden special weight race. She was entered again and got scratched by the vet just 10 days later, and now she returns in a slightly easier spot. She will beat this field if she builds on her debut, but she isn’t the easiest type to trust. 

Will Be Famous (#1) finished a distant second to the favorite in that Jan. 12 affair, and came right back to break her maiden a month later, improving her speed figure. She has discovered newfound speedy tactics in her recent races, laying down aggressive fractions on the front end, daring anyone to go with her. Her presence could work against others who want to show speed in this race, including horses like Grace and Charm (#2) and Curlins Choir (#6). 

It’s also possible that LOCKBOX (#7) could be negatively affected by so much speed in this field, but at least she’s drawn outside of all those rivals. This filly strikes me as one that can adapt to racing from just off the pace, and Eric Cancel seems likely to try out those tactics here. She’s also just getting needed class relief after facing better fields in all of her recent starts. She was no match for the stakes-quality Downtown Mischief last time in a race where she didn’t get the best ride, tentatively ridden behind a slow early pace. Prior to that she was game to hang on for third in a Dec. 4 race at the same level. Now she’s in a softer spot racing for the $50k tag and she figures to be a square price. Ralph D’Alessandro seems to win a few races here every winter and his horses usually outrun their odds.

THE PLAY

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

USE: 1,3