Let’s Get Back on Track with Turf Tactics and Value Plays at Aqueduct!
We’re rolling into Thursday’s Belmont at the Big A card with eight races that mix turf class, dirt speed, and a few sneaky longshots for the sharp bettors out there. Whether you’re betting the early double or building a late pick 4, today’s lineup has something for everyone — let’s dive in!
Race 1 – $82,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (1 1/16 Miles, Turf) – Post 1:10 PM
We open the card with a good-looking turf allowance where trip and timing will matter.
- 🥇 (2) Scythian (7-5) – Tactical and tough. Should sit behind the leaders and pounce in the lane.
- 🥈 (1) Can’t Fool Me (5-2) – Rail trip and second off a layoff — don’t sleep on this one.
- 🥉 (4) North End Lady (6-1) – Has the consistency to grab a share.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Turf races like this reward patience — look for horses that can relax early and finish late.
Exacta Box: 2-1 | Trifecta Box: 2-1-4
Race 2 – $92,000 Allowance Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt) – Post 1:43 PM
Speed, class, and some sneaky pace pressure up front.
- 🥇 (5) Spikezone (4-1) – Has the gate speed to control this race from the start.
- 🥈 (2) Nova Rags (6-1) – A classy cutback play — strong in the final 100 yards.
- 🥉 (3) Acoustic Ave (5-2) – Consistent grinder, but needs a good break.
🔥 Raymond Report Tip: Dirt sprints favor horses who can break clean and control the fractions.
Exacta Box: 5-2 | Trifecta Box: 5-2-3
Race 3 – $80,000 Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs, Outer Turf) – Post 2:15 PM
This race is loaded with first-time starters and improving turf runners — translation: price potential!
- 🥇 (2) Lupine (6-1) – Showed speed in debut; now gets a better post and experience.
- 💣 (6) Bank On Bebe (50-1) – Turf debut, and yes, she’s a longshot — but that’s how prices happen!
- 🥉 (3) Lady Angelina (10-1) – Could surprise with a mid-pack trip.
🌱 Raymond Report Tip: Turf sprints often flip the script — inside speed one day, deep closers the next. Watch the early races!
Exacta Box: 2-6 | Trifecta Box: 2-6-3
Race 4 – $43,000 Claiming (1 1/8 Miles, Dirt) – Post 2:47 PM
This one’s all about endurance — who can handle nine furlongs?
- 🥇 (5) Leftembehind (3-1) – Should get the jump and try to take them all the way.
- 🥈 (8) Frizzante (2-1) – Proven class and stamina; will be charging late.
- 🥉 (7) Dunedin Causeway (30-1) – Don’t laugh — every race needs a longshot for value.
🏁 Raymond Report Tip: Long dirt routes reward pace control — the horse who breathes right early wins late.
Exacta Box: 5-8 | Trifecta Box: 5-8-7
Race 5 – $70,000 Maiden Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt) – Post 3:20 PM
If you like chaos, this is your playground.
- 🥇 (8) Bod Beach (6-1) – Third career start = go time.
- 💣 (9) First Blessing (30-1) – Big price, decent works, and worth a flier underneath.
- 🥉 (6) Neigh Baby (7-2) – Reliable type; safe for exotics.
🎯 Raymond Report Tip: Third start off a layoff or debut pattern is often the “wake-up” race.
Exacta Box: 8-9 | Trifecta Box: 8-9-6
Race 6 – $65,000 Starter Allowance (1 Mile, Dirt) – Post 3:53 PM
This is your betting race of the day — solid field, no clear favorite.
- 🥇 (8) Cararra (8-1) – Sharp form and sits off the speed; live value.
- 🥈 (5) Tower Twenty Two (6-1) – Honest as they come.
- 🥉 (6) Purloin (7-2) – Always fires but lacks finishing punch.
💵 Raymond Report Tip: Mid-range prices win these races more often than the chalk — perfect for Daily Doubles or Pick 3s.
Exacta Box: 8-5 | Trifecta Box: 8-5-6
Race 7 – $65,000 Starter Optional Claiming (6 Furlongs, Outer Turf) – Post 4:23 PM
The late double kicks off with a tricky turf sprint.
- 🥇 (6) Devil in Disguise (9-2) – Santana knows how to time the turf stalk — big chance.
- 🥈 (7) Let It Ride (5-2) – Reliable and versatile; your safe pick.
- 🥉 (1) Reynolds Channel (6-1) – Inside post helps this closer stay in touch.
⚙️ Raymond Report Tip: Outside stalkers often shine in these outer-turf 6F setups.
Exacta Box: 6-7 | Trifecta Box: 6-7-1
Race 8 – $80,000 Maiden Special Weight (1 1/16 Miles, Turf) – Post 4:53 PM
A deep and wide-open closer’s race — great spot to finish strong.
- 🥇 (11) Newlyn (6-1) – Wide draw, but stamina and trip potential make him dangerous.
- 🥈 (9) Coach Ryan (9-2) – Tactical and steady; reliable top-three finisher.
- 🥉 (1) Sunday Boy (6-1) – Could save all the ground and sneak into the trifecta.
🌿 Raymond Report Tip: Late turf races often go to the horses that stay clean and patient — save that run for the stretch.
Exacta Box: 11-9 | Trifecta Box: 11-9-1
🎩 Final Thoughts
Thursday’s Aqueduct card has a little of everything — turf puzzles, dirt sprints, and a few longshot setups that could spice up your ticket. Remember, discipline beats drama. The pros don’t chase prices; they position themselves for them.
👉 See full Raymond Track Report charts, stats, and smart money grids at ATSStats.com.
