Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (GOLD FOR THE KING) (2-1) - Veteran state bred stakes performer has slipped a bit this year, but still brings a good game, and he loves it at Aqueduct (8-4-1-3). Included in his four local wins, he scored by almost 10 lengths in this stakes a year ago. Best used as a stalker, there's plenty of speed signed on for him to close into, and I like his chances.
2nd pick: #3 (My Boy Tate) (4-1) - Lightly raced 5yo has been on the sidelines for 13 months. Speed/stalker has won four of five at Aqueduct, is a double stakes winner facing fellow state breds, and has some fast local works showing for his return. He's a threat if ready off the lengthy absence.
3rd pick: #6 (T Loves a Fight) (7-2) - His name fits as this hard-hitter has gone 14-5-1-2 this year. Stalker is three for seven at this distance in his career, is four for nine on 'off' tracks, and 5yo should factor with his normal effort.
4th pick: #1 (Binkster) (8-1) - This speed/stalker moves back in with state breds after tiring here going six furlongs facing 'open' first-level allowance foes Nov. 2. Much improved since Ray Handal claimed him for $25,000 in July of 2018, he has the rail, and three of his five wins have come here.