The Grade 2 Red Smith 2024
Nine horses are set to go in the one mile and three eights on the grass in the Grade 2 Red Smith at Aqueduct. I love turf marathons despite the often-seen lack of pace that occurs. I also love up and comers on the improve and this race features one that catches my eye.
Curbstone looks a cut below these to me.
Integration looks like a major player in here and the switch to white hot Prat in the saddle could be just what the doctor ordered. The distance looks perfect and there are no major knocks on him. That said, he has never produced that big race he appears to be sitting on. If it doesn’t come here doubt has to seep in.
Pioneering Spirit is in off the Dutrow claim and I have been around long enough to respect that. We will have to see if Rick can move him up enough to compete here, but I would not rule it out by any stretch of the imagination.
City Man is a hard hitter and capable on his best day. It looks to be like his best days are behind him and he has lost a step or two.
Limited Liability ran huge last time in a real marathon over the tricky Kentucky Downs course. He can run all day but last time he got the lead easily and was able to go on cruise control. I’ll make him prove he can go back-to-back.
Adhamo is a new gelding. I don’t think that is enough despite being the ultimate equipment change and Chad Brown calling the shots.
Daunt looks a cut below.
Master Piece likes this course being two for two over it. I’d call him a fringe player but that record over the course does stick out.
I like Rebel Red on the outside. This four-year-old son of Frankel is on the upswing, and you can’t say that about any of the others. Anything around the 8-1 morning line seems more than fair, and I think this added distance may bring out his best race to date. He will need that to win here but the price should be right and I’ll take a shot.
