PDF – NYHL Aqueduct Picks 2.23.12

Today’s NY Hot List races to watch – Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hot List Key:

A : A preferred horse to watch                  B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* – 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

4th race – (#4) Lithe Legend (a D last time) took some late money in her debut but tired in the final furlong. State-bred drops and finds a weak group of open claimers that she should be able to handle. (1) Mistretta showed some late life last time and could grab a share here. (2) Mess in a Dress takes a steep drop for her first start since a dud on grass in August at Arlington; adds Lasix, too. (6) Andrea’s Moon makes a positive rider switch to Alvarado and deserves some respect in a very weak field.

5th race – (2) Leave of Absence (A) is coming off a pair of sharp efforts and could pull off a surprise if the favorite falters. (4) Crossbow comes off a huge win and looms the one to beat, but did get away with a slow early pace last time. (3) Temecula Creek has notched a pair of wins against weaker.

5^th race Laurel – (1) Fiery Footwork (C) tired to third in his first race in eight months. Takes a big drop into a $4,500 claimer at Laurel. If he has anything left in the tank, he should win easily; looks like a first or last proposition. (4) Ted’s Vision looks like the main competition. (7) The A. Train could be dangerous on his best effort.

Best bets: Lithe Legend (4th), Fiery Footwork (5^th Laurel); Best value: Leave of Absence (5^th)

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