Belle’s Best Bets: Longshot Plays on a Big Day at Aqueduct – America’s Best Racing

America’s Best Racing, Belle Premium American Vodka, and handicapper (and avid gambler) Monique Vág team up to provide horseplayers with their best bets of the weekend.

Vág will identify her top picks as well as at least one longshot play of the weekend, a nice opportunity to swing for the fences on a win bet or to take a shot with a show bet. She also will occasionally look for strong exacta plays for the weekend or try to spot a nice opportunity for other wagers.

Belle Premium American Vodka is the official vodka of America’s Best Racing. The American-made, American-owned vodka is distilled in Virginia, the birthplace of Thoroughbred breeding and racing in North America. The company’s mascot, Belle ‘n Tonic, broke her maiden at Laurel Park in Maryland in April 2018.

This Weekend’s Bets

Saturday, Dec. 7

Longshot Play

Aqueduct, Race 2, $150,000 Winter Memories Stakes, 12 p.m. EST

#10 Tass: Although she has been racing against much easier, she’s put forth some very solid efforts on the front end winning her two most recent starts.  It does appear that the addition of blinkers two starts back has helped quicken her breaks and in a field with a lot of speedy horses, getting to the front end out of post 10 will be imperative. Should be a great price at post time on a filly that is in great form.

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Longshot Play

Woodbine, Race 3, 2:16 p.m. ET

#1 Fresh Princess: She was just a little too far back in her most recent start after a slower than normal break from the gate. I expect her to be put into play early in an attempt to work out a trip relaxing just behind the speed. The rail is a great post to try and execute a patient ride, and there does appear to be more than enough speed entered which should help her chances late. 

Longshot Play

Aqueduct, Race 9, $250,000 Remsen Stakes, 3:43 p.m. ET

#3 Cleon Jones: This looks like one of the best races of the weekend due to how competitive the field is and how there does not appear to be one standout. This colt has put forth some really quick times in his two most recent races and throughout his recent workouts. Due to his preferred trip in a stalking style, he should benefit from the added distance of the race and speed from some of the outside runners. 

Best Bet

Aqueduct, Race 10, $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap, 4:16 p.m. ET

#6 Spun to Run: He’s made light work of stakes company in his two most recent starts when getting to the front end early and rating well. I expect him to be on the front end once again in an attempt to wire the field. With his current form, and his perfect 3-for-3 record at this distance, he looms as the one to beat. 

Sports Pick of the Weekend

Sunday, Dec. 8

NFL:  Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams 

PICK: Seahawks ML (-105):  The ‘Hawks are coming off a Monday night victory where they looked good offensively, but gave up 30 points on the defensive end to the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams on the defensive end are coming off one of their better showings holding the Cardinals to only 7 points and less than 200 yards of total offense, but that was still against the Cardinals. Expect a big bounce-back game from the Seahawks and their offense to continue to operate efficiently.