Aqueduct Race Picks for Saturday, 10th May 2022 by Mike Somich
Twitter Facebook Email Belmont at Aqueduct Picks for Saturday, May 10 from Mike Somich:
Raise a glass to the thrilling Kentucky Derby, it's in the rearview mirror now, and it's high time we zeroed in on the Preakness and the Belmont. Weekends prior to the Preakness? That's when all eyes land on Belmont at Aqueduct, where four graded stakes are hot on the agenda, including the Belmont prep Peter Pan.
The Peter Pan, Belmont at Aqueduct, Race #11
The Peter Pan has been known to produce Belmont winners—most recently Archangelo. Could it happen again in 2023? This race is brimming with up-and-comers and horses that missed the qualifying cut for the Kentucky Derby. Among the competitors is the morning line favorite, #8 Captain Cook, who made a valiant effort in the Wood Memorial, chasing Rodriguez all throughout the race, only to fall short on the far turn. Is a 2-1 wager still appropriate against this impressive field?
Two ponies had me tossing some cash: #4 Hill Road and #1 Vassimo. Hill Road, who switched to the Chad Brown barn and claimed third place in the Tampa Bay Derby, boasts Prat aboard, a plus indeed. However, Hill Road is a deep-closing contender on a speed-biased track which is likely muddy. Sounds like the odds are a tad too snug for this runner.
The veteran #1 Vassimo shined to a pair of victories early in his career only to meet headwinds in the Louisiana leg of the Derby trail. Now priced at 5-1, I expect Vassimo to hold his own today.
Speedsters #6 Uncaged and #3 Surfside Moon make for interesting bets as well. Uncaged, a Pletcher runner who's 2 for 2 over muddy tracks, generated a win on this track just recently. Hasn't ventured this distance before, but breeding suggests it's within his reach.
Surfside Moon, who ran second to Captain Cook in the Withers, put in an admirable performance off the layoff at Laurel. He's a contender for today's win discussion, given his strong showing in the Withers race.
Top 4: 1-6-8-3 The Bet: $50 Win #1
Ruffian Stakes, Belmont at Aqueduct, Race #10
The entrancing ladies grace the track in this Grade 2, one-mile race. This event is shaping up to be as competitive as the Peter Pan. Let us dive right in, beginning with my preferred pick, #4 Sterling Silver. She's been turning heads in state-bred events and starts her sixth season with renewed vigor. She's displayed great form when facing this crowd, and today's distance suits her just right. She brings a formidable 9-2 odds, which, in my opinion, allows plenty of breathing room.
Top 4: 4-9-8-3 The Bet: $50 Win #4
Spot Bets: Belmont at Aqueduct, Race #8 - $50 Win #1 (If we're running on the turf) Belmont at Aqueduct, Race #7 - $50 Win #2
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The Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont in 2025 could witness another Belmont winner, as it has in the past.
In the 2023 Peter Pan, several promising horses are in the race, including #8 Captain Cook, who despite being the morning line favorite, faces a strong field.
The Peter Pan at Belmont is not only about the top-rated horses but also about the up-and-coming contenders who missed the Derby cut.
Expectations are high for the 2025 Peter Pan, as it promises to be an exciting event in the world of horse-racing sports.
