One of the biggest jackpots in the history of New York racing will be on the line today at Aqueduct – weather permitting – with a four-day Pick 6 carryover of $761,021 on races 4-9 that will fuel a pool of $2 million or more.
The payoff, if only one ticket hits all six, will surpass the New York record of $767,998 paid out at the Big A in 1990.
The carryover was set in motion Wednesday, when two of the first three winners paid $30 plus. Surprisingly, 14 tickets were still alive with Festy Eskimo, the 3-2 favorite in the ninth race, who looked like a sure thing rallying in deep stretch.
But the faint-hearted Le Renard Subtil – 1-for-31, with 23 losses in a row – repulsed Festy Eskimo’s bid to pay $56.50, setting up today’s near-record carryover.
The syndicates will bet tens of thousands chasing that carryover, giving them a big edge – especially attacking today’s card, which is as wide-open as you’ll see all winter. But we’ll try.
Wednesday, we put together a $192 ticket that cost $72 after two late scratches. Today’s ticket also costs $192 ($2x4x2x2x2x1x3).
FOURTH RACE: This mystifying field of a dozen New York-bred maidens, half of them first-time starters, seems designed to produce another carryover. Unfortunately, our pockets aren’t deep enough to push the “all” button. We’ll use four: Moochie Magnum, a much-improved third last out; Theonlyword, a firster with some nice works over the inner track (coupled with Live to Die if he draws in off the A-E’s); Expect Nothing, second-time Lasix; and Show Ready, who had a rough trip in his debut.
FIFTH RACE: Use two: Sunshine Brian drops for red-hot Rick Dutrow Jr. Jeanie’s Rob has speed, has beaten better.
SIXTH RACE: Two again: Ellie’s Quest rallied, made the lead in mid-stretch, held for second last out. Maximum Appeal drops off a solid second for Iwinski.
SEVENTH RACE: Hussy likes this track and distance, and seems to be rounding to form. Use her with Tap Machine, who finished just a half-length back of Hussy coming off a layoff.
EIGHTH RACE: Single Kings Empress, Allen Jerkens’ consistent filly who won last out by 43/4 lengths over the IDT.
NINTH RACE: We’ll go three deep: drops back in Connie’s Magic against claimers, reunites with Bridgmohan and draws the rail; Brightest Ice likes the IDT, has speed and also drops; Private Practice also has speed and has been going well for Scott Lake.
