Aqueduct Sunday

Cody Autrey is at the Big A for the winter. The leading trainer at Delaware Park this year, Autrey is a regular at the Fairgrounds and on the Kentucky circuit. But, prior to this month, he had never started a horse at a NYRA track in the last five years, according to Formulator. He's a welcome addition to the claiming game here this winter, especially with Scott Lake apparently sitting it out this year. You've certainly noticed him if you've followed the racing the last two days - he has three winners in a row, and he's 4-1-1 from eight starters since racing switched to the IT.

In the first today, Autrey moves Regents Ridge (3-1, part of an entry) significantly up in class, from a conditional 25K claimer at Delaware to this open 35K affair. On Friday, the barn scored with Gentle Edwin ($14), moving him up from a 15K NW3 to one for 25K (that one first off a claim). This horse looks like possible lone speed here, both on style and Moss pace figures. He's been a bit faint-hearted in his last two, so I'd be wary at odds lower than his morning line, but I like the confident move up the ranks, and I think he could very well control matters should he break free. Desert Falcon (4-1) is another one taking a step up; this one, off a claim, for trainer Peter Kazamias shipping in from the Meadowlands. Nice form of late, and he was moved up to win his last by his prior barn; should be running at the end and could catch the top choice should he falter again.

In the third, Autrey takes the opposite tack, dropping Thenputitback (4-1) to the 10K ranks after claiming her for 14K at the Meadowlands. Some recent precedent here too - he won with Kid Freud ($4.70) off a similar maneuver on Friday. She's another one with some quick early foot, and though she may get some pressure here, I consider those possible challengers- Maggie's Miracle, She's Smokin' Hot, and even the ML favorite Iberian Gate based on her present form - to be a bit cheaper. And note how she battled gamely to the end in her races two and three back. Good luck, have a great day, and Go Jets!