It’s a big day for Aqueduct, as a $837,571 Pick 6 carryover kicks off the first weekend of the inner meeting.
At some point during the long slog until racing returns to the main track, much will be written—and most of it negative—about winter racing in New York and whether it’s necessary. It’s a vocal minority because the wagering public has very much voted with its wallets on this.
From December-March, only Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park will handle more than Aqueduct (both from total and average daily handle perspectives), and more of my money will be bet on Aqueduct than either of those “marquee” tracks.
The place of winter racing in American racing is a worthwhile discussion, but as long as winter racing has a place in America, Aqueduct should be a part of it because not only does the gambling money show up but the people do too. In fact, I’d bet New York City’s only gambling venue has the highest average daily attendance of any winter track north of the Mason-Dixon line.
But as far as the here and now goes, I’m looking forward to being a part of today’s big carryover—both as captain of one of TwinSpires.com’s two players pools and as an everyday gambler who prefers Aqueduct.
My ABC grid is below. As you can see, my strongest opinion is in race 3 (leg 1), which didn’t work out so well yesterday, but it’s a new day, and #5 Fullfaithandcredit should enjoy the 5 ½-furlong distance and stalk-and-pounce trip.
The race I’m most lost on is the 7th (leg 5) where I have all five expected starters in the “A” column. An all “A” Pick 6 could cost $360. All As & Bs would be $9,000, and I gotta be honest: I’m not playing either of those tickets, choosing instead to put my opinions to work with James Scully & Doug Salvatore in the TwinSpires.com Players Pool.
But I will play my As in rolling Pick 3s for $80 and take a grand slam chance on 2-3-7-A for $5 and 2, 3, 4 with 1, 3 with 6, 7 with 5 for $12.
