Today’s feature is the Jerome Stakes, a non-graded Derby prep race worth ten points to the winner.
Aqueduct • Race 8 • 3:16 p.m. ET [PPs] I suppose many will be picking 6 Arctic Arrogance in this spot. You’ll get no argument from me if that is your pick. I’m honestly more interested in his new stablemate off the claim, 3 Valenzen Day. Trainer Linda Rice hits at 24% first off a claim, and this horse is already a proven winner with a career record of 8-3-2-1. How about a Linda Rice exacta?
Picks: 3-6-5-7
HAMMER’S NAIL Oaklawn Park • Race 9 • 5:22 p.m. ET Trainer John Ortiz has a pair of price horses lined up in the Pippin Stakes, an 8.5 furlong race for 4YO+ mares. The one I’m on is 5 Ice Orchard, who comes in sporting a career record of 7-2-3-2. My belief is that this horse will get bet down from its morning line of 12-1. Love that Santana is getting back in the irons.
2023 NAIL record: 1-0-1-0
Best of luck!