Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Aqueduct Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for April 23, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Aqueduct Racetrack, April 23, 2026

Partly cloudy, low-to-mid 50s, southwest wind 10–15 mph. Main track fast; turf firm to good. Dirt sprints favor early speed; inside posts carry structural advantage in turf routes and sprints. In Race 8's 16-horse turf field, posts 1–5 are strongly preferred.

Race 1

Counter Move (6) is the clear top selection with tactical speed and a top connections combination. No Filter (2) is the main alternative from a favorable inside post. Stayfrostymyfriend (1) and Mach Schnell (4) are viable longshot inclusions in trifecta exotics.

Race 2

Blossoming Erudite (2) holds the edge with a favorable draw and elite jockey in a co-favorite matchup. Just Add Water (5) is the value secondary as a potential beneficiary if the two favorites duel early. Soloshot (7) at 4-1 and Snowy Evening (3) at 10-1 are worth small exotic roles if pace collapses. Verify Franco's correct mount between Tough Street (8) and Lil' Regard (1) before wagering.

Race 3

Marketplaceofideas (1) from the rail is the top selection in a Chad Brown-dominated field. Tejanita (7) at 3-1 for McGaughey is the primary value play — monitor for jockey replacement given the TBA rider situation. Deference (3) and Pinch Of Bourbon (4) both at 4-1 are legitimate secondary threats worth trifecta inclusion.

Race 4

Saratoga Party (1) gets the slight nod over co-favorite Pippa Adds (4) thanks to rail position and top jockey. Flying Hawley (6) at 4-1 is the most interesting secondary choice. Themis (2) at 8-1 is worth using in trifecta and superfecta bottoms.

Race 5

Funny Factor (5) is the morning line choice from a clean mid-field draw. Burning Bridges (8) at 4-1 is the preferred alternative with strong turf credentials. Cerro Rico (9) at 5-1 is the best value in the race and deserves a prominent trifecta role; fade Liberty Rising (10) from the widest post.

Race 6

Magnanimous Max (6) edges co-favorite Sequential (5) by a narrow margin. Smallchangegeep (1) at 4-1 from the rail is the value trifecta component. Superpower (2) and First Pitch (4) are distant longshots for exotics only.

Race 7

Bostontonian (2) is the day's most reliable single — the best-prepared horse in the best spot. Pair Of Socks (1) is the chief rival and could control the race wire to wire. Benji Star (3) at 4-1 is the top value pick and Oil Capital (4) at 5-1 offers trifecta depth.

Race 8

Juliet On Approach (7) at 5-1 is the day's top value play — well-drawn in a 16-horse field with a top rider who can secure the rail. Saint Margaret (2) from an ideal post and Aperitif (8) from a workable draw are the primary supporting selections. Daylight Dreamer (4) at 6-1 and Pismo Beach (5) at 8-1 are the best longshot inclusions; discount all horses drawn outside post 10. Verify jockey conflicts for ELLIOTT (APERITIF/SPEED WALKING), RODRIGUEZ (EMERGENCY NINE/CREDIT RISK), and GUTIERREZ (NORTH STARLIGHT/LADY DELILAH), and monitor Big Jackie (15) for a TBA rider assignment.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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