Stogie's Horse Racing Picks for Friday, Jan 17, 2025

Aqueduct Race 4

5 Hagrid’s Flame makes his first start for trainer Jamie Ness at Aqueduct, who hits at an incredible 32% winners with newbies to his stable. This Colt looks like he just might appreciate the added distance and enters here off a bullet work. Win Contender
1 Liberty Central is one of a few in here that has run well at this two turn distance of a mile and an eighth. Colt sports the highest speed figures of this group but has only made one trip to the winner’s in 10 starts in 2024. He won’t need much to beat this lack luster field. Win Contender
3 Brick Ambush is another in here making his first start for a new trainer. Trainer Billy Mott adds the eye cups today. He hits at a solid 24% winners off that angle. Major Threat

1 Jerry’s Out is a Laurel shipper who enters here off a solid third-place finish while sprinting. I’m going to throw out this ones first attempt at a route, as the race was contested on the turf. This Colt has the dirt pedigree to go long on dirt and enters here off a recent bullet. Win Contender
6 Just Licorice has been raising his speed figures in each consecutive start, highlighted by a recent top when breaking his maiden here at the Big A,winning by a resounding 6 and a half lengths. Deserving Favorite
7 Brave Bear has a win at this distance and gets first time juice. Live Longshot

6 Thirty Four Coupe enters here off a second place finish at this level last out. Gelding gets a huge upgrade in the jockey department to turf superstar Flavien Prat. Top Pick
7 Bee Catcher has run well at this turf distance but sports only one trip to the winner’s circle in 10 starts. He has a good shot for the minor awards.
5 Aurelian Man drops a bit in class and does his best turf running over the blades here at Santa Anita, winning 3 of 9 starts. Don’t Ignore

5 Kid Azteca has been facing tougher and has the fastest turf speed figures of his rivals in here today. Flavien Prat rides this son of Sharp Azteca for the first time today. Top Pick
1 Uncle John is another in here who has been knocking heads with tougher foes. The last time this Gelding ran at this level , he defeated a large field of ten with a strong turf speed figure. Win Contender
2 Player B just missed victory last out by less than a length versus similar. This Doug O’Neill trainee enters here off a sharp workout. Major Threat