Aqueduct: Stakes spot plays for Nov. 26

A trio of black-type events will be hosted by Aqueduct on Friday. I am tabbing three Empire State-bred runners to have a lot of success in the contests.

Race 4 - Forever Together S.

A compact field of six fillies and mares will vie in the $150,000 turf affair. #3 Giacosa has tactical speed in a field that lacks pace, and I will give her the slight edge for conditioner James Bond. The New York-bred daughter of Tizway proved her class with a sharp tally in the Yaddo S. at Saratoga two back, and while she might prefer the Spa turf, she has also run well on this course in the past. Luis Saez will be in the silks.

#4 Flower Point possesses arguably the best closing kick in the field and gets the nod to complete the exacta. The McGaughey pupil ran well late in the Noble Damsel S. (G3) when finishing third most recently, and the Point of Entry filly's best will have her contending inside the final furlong on Friday.

Race 8 - Gio Ponti S.

A competitive group has been assembled for the 1 1/16-mile turf endeavor. #5 Ocala Dream is not the most talented horse entered in this tough field, but the Morley trainee has a big turn of foot in a cast with an abundance of pace signed on, so his chances of making a top-three run are very good in my opinion. The Empire State-bred son of Effinex will appreciate the added ground with which to work beneath Dylan Davis. The price should be right, too.

Race 9 - Comely S. (G3)

Eight sophomore fillies will go nine furlongs on the dirt in the headliner of the day. #3 Shalimar Gardens lost all chance with a slow break from the rail in the Raven Run S. (G2) at Keeneland most recently but will improve a good deal in this affair. The bay Uncle Mo filly makes her first run around two turns, and if her previous races are any indication, she will run a big one in here. I am not sure if she is good enough to defeat the more accomplished players in the cast, but I foresee her to be well placed turning for home at a price with John Velazquez riding.