Aqueduct Wednesday

In the 5th at the Big A, Max's First (5-1) goes second off the layoff for trainer Ben Perkins, who scored with Well Spelled last week, and has been in the money with four of his last six starters. This seven-year old son of Max's Pal (Marquetry) was stepping up in class fairly significantly when he shipped in last month, and responded with a solid second, rallying sharply from way off the pace in a race dominated by lone speed Fight For VLT's. Max's First swept 3-4 wide around the turn rather effortlessly before going into a drive once straightening away; final furlongs in 11.4 and 12.1. It was a solid move with no pace help. And that's the concern here; not tons of speed. Fight For VLT's (6-1) returns (and how did he pay $40 after missing by a neck in the same company two races prior?), but I would hope and expect he'll find some company at some point in the class-dropping stalker Perfect Drive (2-1). This is a favorite you might have regarded with suspicion in the past, dropping off two wins as he is. But the $29,000 purse for this 7500 claimer compares favorably to the $22,000 purse in the 10K claimer in which he ran off the claim two back. With over $31,000 already in the bank in two races after being taken for $7500 by trainer John Campo Jr, he can win another $17,000 today, plus the claim proceeds if anyone is so inclined. Not too shabby. I'll cover in the exacta with he on top. Best of luck and have a great day.