Stogie’s Horse Racing Picks for Friday, Feb 28, 2025
Aqueduct Race 1
- 5 Pretty Magical gets first-time blinkers after finishing a disappointing 4th last out at this distance. This Filly had been moving in the right direction before that sour effort. If this daughter of Good Magic can run back to her second-place finish two races back, I believe she has a shot here, at a price. She’s had 3 solid works since her failed attempt at this mile distance. Live Longshot
- 6 Material Girl is the odds morning line favorite, who exits a strong second-place finish in the 500k New York Stallion Stakes Series. She’s your likely winner but offers little value, I’ll try to beat this gal today. Win Contender
- 3 Willful Mama has finished second in 3 straight races. This Filly has good early speed and appears to be the controlling speed in here. If she can carve out some reasonable fractions early, she’ll be a factor at the wire. Major Threat
Selections 5-6-3-1
Gulfstream Park Race 10
3 Mattingly returned from a nearly 6-month layoff to run a solid third beaten by just under two lengths versus similar conditions. Colt now makes his second start off the layoff for trainer Joe Orseno, who administers second-time juice. This 4-year-old has good tactical speed and should be running just off the first flight today. Jockey Dylan Davis rides back. Win Contender
4 Xy Speed is a wiley 9- year-old Veteran who knows how to win here at Gulfstream Park, winning 7 of 16 starts. He also has won an incredible 13 times at this 5-furlong distance. Win Contender
7 Asher’s Edge steps up in class off two impressive back-to-back victories versus Softer. With all the want the lead types in here, the pace likely will be hot, which should benefit this off-the-pace runner. Don’t Ignore
Selections 3-4-7-11
Santa Anita Race 9
- 8 Mythical Reel didn’t show much in his North American debut, crossing the line for a 5th-place finish. I’m going to forgive that effort as this Colt was returning from a 5- 5-month hiatus. Seeing Flavien Prat showing up to ride this lightly raced 3-year-old, suggests this one will fire today, second off the pine. Win Contender
- 1 Muscled has been knocking on the door, to break his Maiden in his last two starts, finishing second both times. He draws a better post today than his most recent race. Win Contender
- 10 Rank(AE) has been facing some salty runners on the dirt. Colt is on the Also-Eligible list, if he gets in and can handle the surface switch, I like his chances. Don’t Ignore
Selections 8-1-10-3-6
