Aqueduct: Gio Ponti Stakes Exotics Plays

An especially competitive field of 10 will vie in Saturday’s $135,000 Gio Ponti S. at Aqueduct. The grassy contest on the outer lawn features a fine group of prospects, and I feel compelled to use a few of them in my wagers since I lack the conviction to single any entrant in the cast. 

#8 Steady On has impressed me with back-to-back triumphs on the course as of late for trainer Todd Pletcher. The lightly raced son of Pioneerof the Nile has improved with each career run to date, and I really like how the colt is versatile enough to win from on or off the pace. He received a nice draw outside the other pace in the event, and I expect the dark bay to move to the fore at the top of the lane for Irad Ortiz.

#5 Wicked Fast was a head and a nose shy of being runner-up in the recent Hill Prince S. (G2) in his first attempt for trainer Mike Maker. The gelded son of Tourist boasts a solid turn of foot and will be aided by what is expected to be an honest tempo at the very least on this occasion. Trevor McCarthy retains the mount and will have the contender traveling from well off the pace around the backside.

#3 Riot House, one of two in the field from the Danny Gargan shedrow, ran like a horse who needed a race last time when faltering late at Woodbine most recently. By Violence, the gray won two in succession at Gulfstream Park to commence his three-year-old campaign, and I fully expect the gelding to take a big step forward in his second run back on Saturday. He will be forwardly placed under the guidance of Kendrick Carmouche.

Gio Ponti Exotics

• $4 exacta: box 3, 5, 8 ($24)
• 50-cent trifecta: 3, 5, 8 with 3, 5, 8 with all ($21)
• 50-cent trifecta: 3, 5, 8 with all with 3, 5, 8 ($21)
• 20-cent superfecta: 3, 5, 8 with 3, 5, 8 with 3, 5, 8 with all ($7.20)