Stogie’s Horse Racing Picks from December 28, 2024
We have a big day of racing planned and our handicapper Stogie has broken down several key races for us with horse racing picks. Stogie takes a look at several stakes races today from Aqueduct, and Santa Anita.
Aqueduct Race 3 Gravesend Stakes
- 3 Runningsonofagun has run two very strong races in a row, a nose defeat in the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Stakes two back and a game second recently in the Fall Weight Stakes. This Geldings recent 3/170 bullet suggests this son of Gun Runner is ready to rock n roll today. Top Pick
- 2 Full Moon Madness has been climbing the class ladder and is in top form. He’ll need a career best to beat this evenly matched field. Another move forward could get this gelding into the winner’s circle at a decent price. Win Contender
- 4 Maximus Meridius is a Parx shipper who has the speed figures to take this event, however he’s a 3-year old taking on elders and has yet to see the winner’s circle in 3 starts at the Big A. Use Underneath
Selections 3-2-4-5
Aqueduct Race 8 Alex M Robb Stakes
- 5 Doc Sullivan hasn’t run that well in his last two starts but did have some excuses. Colt was way over his head in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and most recently he never got a hold of the muddy surface the New York Stallion Seris. He has back races that make him competitive here and he sports the best late pace numbers of this group. I like his chances today to score the upset. Win Contender
- 7 Bank Frenzy has won 3 of 6 races with 2 placings here at Aqueduct. Gelding is in top form since switching barns to Rudy Rodriguez. This 4-year old exits from a powerful victory versus Allowance/Optional 62.5k N2 types. Jockey Manuel Franco rides back off the recent dominating victory. Win Contender
- 3 El Grand O has won 3 of his last 6 starts and was a nose away from being a Grade 3 winner. Hard to leave this Linda Rice trainee off your tickets. Major Player
Selections 5-7-3-8
Santa Anita Race 6 Joe Hernandez Stakes Grade 2
- 9 Sorrento Sky is perfect 2-2 on this difficult Hillside turf course here at Santa Anita. I love the outside draw for this 3-year old and he is training exceptionally. There are more accomplished runners in here but I feel this one getsnthe victory at a price today. Top Pick
- 6 Motorious does have a class advantage over his rivals in here today. He was a neck away from being a Breeders Cup Champ. He’s been training lights out for his return but could be a bit vulnerable as the favorite today. I just believe this guy runs a bit better at Del Mar. He could prove me wrong today. Win Contender
- 1 Air Force Red was last seen finishing second in the Grade 2 Eddie Read. I’d take this 6- year old on top, if it weren’t for the inside draw. Use Underneath
Selections 9-6-1-4
Santa Anita Race 8 Blue Norther Stakes
- 9 Will Then came from way back to win the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes a Del Mar. A very impressive performance off a Maiden win. He likely gets an ideal pace scenario today to set up her late kick. Win Contender
- 4 Sea Runner likely changes tactics today after failing to take a good field gate-to-wire in the G3 Jimmy Durante. This Filly is 1-1 here on the green at Santa Anita and has proven she can win off the pace. This Gal likely gets overlooked at the windows today. Win Contender
- 5 Supa Speed had one of the worst trips I’ve ever seen in the Alliances Stakes last out. A cleaner trip puts Justify Filly right there at the wire. Major Player