Aqueduct Hotlist - February 19

Today’s NY Hot List races to watch – Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Aqueduct
By Matt Shifman and Bob Ehalt

Hot List Key:
 A: A preferred horse to watch                                 B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worst
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

4^th race [NY, Md 25000 N2L, 6F] – (7) Oh My Belle (B) was sent off as the odds-on favorite in her debut. She dwelt at the start and had to rally from last and finished third. (3) Half Birthday raced on the lead for half of her last start at this level where the ability to get to the lead is often all that is needed to win this kind of race. (8) Dini’s Destiny will make her debut and Linda Rice has a good winning percentage with firsters in for a tag. (6) Sterling Mistress will move from turf to dirt and drop out of a maiden special weight for Patrick Reynolds who has had recent longshot winners with both of those changes.

5^th race [NY, Md Sp Wt, 6F] – (7) Celine the Queen (D) was bet down from 9-1 to 6-1 in her second start where she set the pace. In her first start she was an even money favorite, but now she gets a trainer change to Rudy Rodriguez. (2) Kisses for Emily gets Lasix for the first time after rallying for second at this level last time. (5) True Empress gets blinkers on and Lasix for trainer George Weaver after three contending performances in similar spots. (1) Cindy’s Choice showed speed in previous starts and should vie for the lead breaking from the rail.

6^th race [Clm 16000 N2L, 7F] – (2) Halpert (D) was bet down from 5-1 to 5-2 last time out and now drops down a notch in claiming price. (6) Scorpion Dynasty will make his third start after a layoff from the summer and gets a significant rider upgrade. (3) Breaking Stones has shown speed in recent starts and now cuts back in distance a furlong. (5) Majestic Tiger was claimed last time for the $16,000 tag and will move to the barn of Chris Engelhart who does well with horses new to his barn.

7^th race [NY, Clm 25000, 7F] – (1) Dark Money / (1A) Bad Guy make a formidable entry for Rudy R. (3) True Gold ran second at this level two races back and then tried the highest level allowance for NY-breds. (6) Vintage Hollywood will also return to this state-bred claimer where he was third the last time he ran against this type of horse. He faced much tougher horses recently and cuts back in distance also. (2) Binkster had some of his best races at this level in the past.

Best bets: Oh My Belle (4^th); Entry (7^th). Best value: Celine the Queen (5^th); Halpert (6^th).

Saturday Pick 3 Special --
The Saturday Special $1 Pick 3 covers races 4 – 6  à 3, 7 with 2, 5, 7 with 2, 3, 5, 6 = $24.