Horse Racing: Gotham (mid-week) First Take

Okay, the card is in for Saturday's Gotham Stakes day at the Big A (Aqueduct).

Why is Vyjack the favorite in the big race??!?!!?

The opening odds has the son of Into Mischief the 3-1 favorite, with Overanalyze 7-2.

Stunning.

Goes to show.  Both have won stakes at the right distance on the Big A(as opposed to those with only 6f experience).  Overanalyze's speed rating in the Remsen (which is longer than Saturday's 1 1/16th Gotham) was higher; remembering that Vyjack's Jerome win was at 1 and 70.  We'll see if that 40 yards is worth anything.

Let's say we've got them (and it's Vyjack #7, Overanalyze #11 -- I think) to start our exotics -- who's #3 and 4?

I like EscapefromReality (#3) in the 3 hole; with Sky Captain (#9) in the 4 -- both have good speed numbers, good at the distance, and like the money.  They may not match Overanalyze, but they won't be far away.

Now for the Pick 6.

There are two other stakes races in the 6 Saturday -- the 7th mile & 1/16th Top Flight Stakes, then the 9th the 6 furlong Tom Fool.   Lots of talent in those races and will be a challenge to pick from a close pack.

Here's my first crack at straight 6: 6-8-1/1a-2-11 (Overanalyze)-6.

I'll be back with more analysis before Saturday; we'll see if we can come up with a strategy to come closer on the P6.

But I'm not on Vyjack Saturday.  Maybe I'm missing it, but don't see how that's the winner given the talent in the field.