Stogie’s Horse Racing Picks for Friday, January 3, 2025
Aqueduct Race 7
- 5 Tricolour is a Parx shipper who finally broke his Maiden in his 42nd start. This Gelding had finished second or third 24 times before finally getting to the winner’s circle. He ran a solid third when facing winner’s for the first time last out and does sport the highest dirt speed figures of this group. He won’t need much to beat this lackluster group. Win Contender
- 6 Incantation ships in via Finger Lakes for Trainer James H.Bond. 5-year-old enters here off two second place finishes versus Allowance company. He has some speed and might find himself on the lead today in a race that lacks want the lead types. He’s a candidate to go gate-to-wire this afternoon. Win Contender
- 2 Fake Celebrity is a lightly raced 5-year-old who obviously has been dealing with injuries throughout his 4 race career. He tries the dirt for the first time after 4 decent starts on turf. Gelding does have pedigree to take to the main track and if he digs the surface switch, he’ll be a player here. Major a Threat
Selections 5-6-2-7
Santa Anita Race 6
- 3 Tesoro has been facing much tougher and now drops to his lowest level yet. This Gelding’s trainer hits at 26% winner’s off this type of layoff. Top Pick
- 1 Nolde was last seen defeating a much weaker group by over three convincing lengths. This veteran 9-year-old is a 11-time winner in 32 trips to the starting gate. He steps up in class here but leading rider Flavien Prat picks up the mount. I like this ones chances today. Win Contender
- 5 Upstart Yankee has run 3 consecutive solid races which included a win versus better, two races back. There’s no way his 10-1 morning line holds up come post time. Major Threat
Selections 3-1-5-11(AE)-8
Santa Anita Race 9
- 3 Unrivaled Hero showed little in most recent race at Los Alamitos on the dirt, but this Colt faced much tougher on the turf his first two starts of his career. Although he finished well back in those starts, his turf speed figures make him competitive here. He gets first time juice and the eye cups come off. Colt could masked some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot
- 1 Max n’ Lou is another in here who has faced tougher on the turf. He gets first time Lasix, shows a solid work tabard drops 4 lbs off his last start. Win Contender
- 7 Lookin for Curly makes his turf debut after 2 starts on the main track. This son of Lookin at Lucky gained 16 points in his speed figures from race one to two. He has solid turf pedigree. If he takes to the weeds,he just might get his picture taken today. Don’t Ignore