Thursday's Best Bet: Barry the Builder raises his game

Photo: Eclipse Sportswire

Thursday’s ninth race from Belmont at Aqueduct is a $77,000 maiden special weight event for New York-bred 2-year-olds traveling 1 1/16 miles on the turf course. The scheduled post time is 4:54 p.m. EDT.


Click here for Belmont at Aqueduct entries and results

No. 7 Barry the Builder (9-2) was my top choice in a similar local spot last time, and he dueled and just missed the show. He rallied to complete the trifecta in his first turf start on Aug. 19, and he added blinkers that day. Flavien Prat stays put and he should be in the thick of things throughout. 

No. 8 Itsallcomintogetha (5-1) stretches out after two turf sprints. He found trouble in his debut and was the beaten favorite second time out. His dam has produced two turf winners. 

No. 1 Thethrillofvictory (4-1) rallied for show dough in an improved turf route effort second time out. He should be heard from late. 

No. 6 Provision (5-2) completed the exacta in all three turf starts and was the beaten favorite in his last pair. He might take too much action on the win end. 

No. 12 Mr. Marlin (8-1) tries a turf route for Barclay Tagg. His dam has tossed a pair of turf winners and he should offer value. 

Wagers: 

No. 7 to Win

Trifecta Key 7/1-6-8-12

Trifecta 1-6-8-12/7/1-6-8-12

Recent Best Bet winners

Oct. 3 – Back to Ohio ($4.20)
Oct. 5 – Climber ($5.00)
Oct. 8 – Going to Vegas ($7.20)
Oct. 10 – Excess Speed Limit ($19.00), exacta ($40.20), super ($1,565)
Friday - Storming Lady ($3.60)
Monday - 
Finest City Stakes trifecta ($34.20)

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