Seeking a share of Friday’s $500 betting bonus at Aqueduct

Hitting an exacta or trifecta at Aqueduct on Friday can earn TwinSpires.com players a share of a $500 betting bonus. Be sure to “Opt In” for eligibility and players who wager at least $50 in exacta or trifectas, and hit at least once, will receive a share of the $500 daily prize.

Fast conditions appear likely for Friday’s 9-race card and inside speed fared well on Thursday.

Here are three horses of interest along with my exacta and trifecta plays for each:

Race 2: #4 Kiss the Flag has been facing better in her last two starts and catches a weak group similar to three starts back when she flashed clear at the start and led wire-to-wire in breaking her maiden. Expecting a similar trip today.

#1 Double Dose and #3 Kitai appear capable of finishing well and I’ll use both underneath.

Wagers
$10 Exactas: 4 over 1,3 ($20)
$1 Trifecta part-wheel: 4 over 1,3 over all ($8)

Race 7: Rudy Rodriguez got away with running subsequent Grade 1 winner Condo Commando for a tag first-time out a couple of years ago but the previous connections of #1 Toga Challenger weren’t so fortunate, having the 3yo colt claimed for $40k from his debut. Toga Challenger waited patiently just off the pace before offering a strong turn of foot into the stretch, drawing off to a 4 ½-length decision and netting an 86 BRIS Speed rating that is easily the best last-out number in today’s field. Rodriguez takes over as the new trainer and Toga Challenger is eligible to show more speed today with new jock Irad Ortiz Jr. Look for him to carry his form forward from a favorable inside post.

#4 Two Charley’s hasn’t been a serious factor in four starts since breaking his maiden and figures to be overbet due to his company lines. I’ll focus underneath upon #3 Grandview, who enter on the upswing following a pair of commendable seconds at the level; and #8 He Can Dance, who adds blinkers off back-to-back wins and makes his first start for a hot Raymond Handal barn (7-for-21).

Wagers
$10 Exactas: 1 over 3,8 ($20)
$1 Trifecta part-wheel: 1 over 3,8 over all ($12)

Race 9: Ken and Sarah Ramsey are well on their way to topping the Gulfstream standings by wins for the fifth straight year but the leading owners are still seeking their first victory over Aqueduct’s inner track this winter. They figure to get off the schneid with #4 Frozen Angel, who enters on the upswing for trainer Mike Maker and appears to own a pace advantage over his main rivals.

A couple of morning line price plays, #3 Psychic Energy and #5 Nut Nut, offer appeal for the exotics. The former is eligible to move forward off his debut for Linda Rice and the latter appears to be making good headway for Bruce Brown and possesses tactical speed.

Wagers
$10 Exacta: 4 over 3,5 ($20)
$1 Trifecta part-wheel: 4 over 3,5 over all ($14)

Good luck on Friday’s card at Aqueduct!