Horse Racing Lock Alert for Aqueduct

The two queens of racing are putting in their final preparations for their 2010 debuts on Saturday, and if all goes well Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will meet on April 9 at Oaklawn Park in the Apple Blossom Invitational.

First things first.

Rachel Alexandra had an easy gallop over the Fair Grounds main track on Wednesday as trainer Steve Asmussen tightens the screws for her first start since last fall in the Fair Grounds Ladies. The race goes as Race 10 of an eleven race card, with post time of 5:15 CT.

Just 25 minutes later, Zenyatta will go to the post in the Santa Margarita Stakes (G1) at 5:40 CT.

The undefeated Zenyatta will have to tote 127 pounds in the Santa Margarita. The undefeated mare will take on eight foes on Saturday.

In addition to the Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta making appearances on Saturday, there are also three major Kentucky Derby preps to be run.

The Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita, and the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs will no doubt produce several Kentucky Derby starters.

While horse racing may be overshadowed on Saturday with all of the college basketball on the menu, don’t overlook playing the ponies with at least part of your wagering bankroll.

Let’s get ready for the big weekend of action by padding our bankroll with a trip to Aqueduct for a good betting card for a Thursday afternoon.

Today's Play of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 4 Md $35,000 (2:27 ET)

#3 Early Argument: The gelding drops in for a tag for the first time in his career. He failed to fire last out after a good second in a race that produced three next out winners. The winner Johannesburg Smile beat state bred Alw-1 foes in his next outing on Feb. 15.

#8 Eire's Run: Also drops in for a tag for the first time but has had nine tries to get the job done. He was beaten by our top pick two back.

#4 Maggie's Prince: The colt was second in his debut and picks up Ramon, but exits a weak race, eight coming back to run and none of them cracked the top four in their next starts.

Horse Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 9/5 or better.
EX: 3,8 / 2,3,4,8
TRI: 3,8 / 2,3,4,8 / 1,2,3,4,8

Today’s Pick 3 Play from Aqueduct:

Starting in Race 7: $2: 1,7,9 / 6 / 3,5,7,9 = $24

AQU Race 7 Clm $15,000B (3:55 ET)
#9 South Bronx: This guy is coming off a good second last out, beaten 3/4 of a length for the top spot, catching an inner surface that was playing to inside speed that day. The Hushion barn picked up another win yesterday and has been red hot at the meet.

#7 Golden Caesar: Dueled for the early lead and faded to finish sixth last out in the mud. Two back he held on for second after pressing the early pace, earning a fig good enough to win here.

#1 Smarty Karakorum / #1a Karakorum On Black: The entry is 8/1 on the morning line and we’ll include the duo on our Pick 3 ticket.

AQU Race 8 Dreamy Mimi S. (4:25 ET)
#6 Anchorage: The Pletcher runner is coming off a runner up finish in the Busher where he set the early fractions, had a clear lead heading for home and was run down late, settling for second,. The filly caught an inner surface that was playing to outside stalkers and closers that day. She makes her third start of her current form cycle and if she shakes loose again, this group may not catch here.