Stogie's Horse Racing Best Bets for Friday, Jan 31, 2025

Aqueduct Race 8

5 Az U Chase Me exits from a poor performance versus much tougher here at the Big A. I believe this Gelding didn’t want anything to do with that mile and an eighth distance that day. He defeated similar two races back, gets first time juice and has run well on an off track, which he likely sees today. Win Contender
3 Hours in a Day steps up the class ladder after scoring 2 back-to-back victories for Trainer Linda Rice. Rice adds first time lasix to this son of Gun Runner. Win Contender
6 Hey Toby is another in here who would benefit from a wet track. This Jeremiah Englehart trainee won by over 6- lengths in the mud over at Finger Lakes. Don’t Ignore

3 Silent Heart was last seen finishing a solid third beaten by just a half length in the Tropical Park Derby. This Colt has tactical speed to get a good position early, as the pace in here appears to be hot. I love this one’s chances today. Top Pick
2 Real Macho has shown some great late pace numbers while preforming strictly on dirt. Colt makes his turf debut today. He does have some turf pedigree in his bloodlines and if he takes to the surface switch, he just might light up the tote board. Live Longshot
7 Strong Quality has been facing some salty turf runners in Grade 1 competition in his last 2 starts. This 6-year- old took them a long way in the G1 Fourstardave Stakes then faltered late in the stretch to finish 4th. He’s definitely a threat to wire this field today, but he has been idle for 5 months and might need a race. Use With Caution

1 Sally O’Malley failed as the favorite last out versus similar. I’m going to draw a line through that race, as this Filly was routing for the first time on a sloppy track. Gal now gets back to her preferred sprint distance of 6 furlongs. She won back-to-back races at this distance at Churchill Downs and sports the highest dirt speed figures of this group. Top Pick
8 My Ocho was able to get the lead versus a few in here last out and faltered late in the stretch. Mare now makes her third start of the form cycle. She’ll be more fit and once again likely tries to go gate-to-wire. Live Longshot
5 Oh My Mia is another in here making her third start off the layoff. This one has finished no worse than third in her last 4 starts. Don’t Ignore

3 Presider could win right back after going gate-to-wire versus tougher. Gelding appears to be the controlling speed in here and if no one pressures this Gelding early , he’ll likely wire this group. Top Pick
7 Zalamo would be the benefit if someone goes early with the aforementioned. This Gelding has nice late turn off foot which was compromised by a tepid pace upfront in his most recent start. He still managed to finish second by just a length. Major Threat
8 Rastaman Vibe recently finished third at this level. He’ll need to move forward to get the victory here. Don’t Ignore