Aqueduct Handicap

- I'll take a stab with Silver Prospector in the Aqueduct Handicap even though I'm concerned that the race may not set up to his liking. It's his third race since being claimed for 50K by Contessa, and he's since moved up with a second for 75K, and a wire-to-wire win in the Don Rickles, beating a pretty good trio including subsequent winner Cavallo Pazzo. There was a parade of front-running winners that day, but it was the way he did it that stands out. His half mile split was a good two seconds faster than any other race that day, and he seemed to be gliding along with ease, earning solid pace numbers from both Moss and BRIS. Since then he's had four solid workouts on the inner track. He could face early pressure from Mayan King and New York Hero, both breaking inside of him. But he's certainly fit and rates a shot at his 9-2 morning line.

Liquor Cabinet may simply be the best horse in here. He has the best Beyers, and returned from his layoff with an allowance win that was strictly a prep. Jockey John Velazquez hand rode him home despite his being in a close duel with stablemate Mr. Whitestone, just giving him a right handed tap near the wire. He's also been working well and is strictly the one to beat with the red hot Ramon Dominguez.

Mayan King generally shows speed when the track is dry so you could see two Contessa trainees (different owners) vying for the early lead. His best races, however, have been around one turn and I think he figures to be overbet.