Friday Racing Picks: Aqueduct

The weekend begins at Aqueduct in New York for an $80,000 allowance optional claiming race for 4-year-olds and up over one mile on the dirt. The field of 7 will go to gate for race 7 on the 8-race card with an approximate post time of 3:55 p.m. ET.

#6, Leitone (CHI), Jose Lezcano, 5-2

Leitone (CHI) has won two of his last three, three of his last five and four of his last seven races. In his last, he finished fourth in the Jazil Stakes here on Jan. 25. He is coming back in just six days’ time. Will it help or hurt? Jose Lezcano is aboard for trainer Jason Servis. The pick.

#2, Sir Winston, Dylan Davis, 8-5

Sir Winston raced in five straight graded stakes races (1-1-0) prior to a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Woodchopper Stakes at Fair Grounds on Dec. 28. He won the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes ($22.40) by a length over Tacitus and Joevia. Can he return back to that form is the question. Dylan Davis is aboard for trainer Mark Cassse. Runner-up.

#5, Musical America, 5-2

He is coming off two straight allowance optional claiming wins on two different tracks (Laurel Park, Aqueduct)  over a span of 13 days. Kendrick Carmouche is in the saddle for trainer Rob Atras. Contender.

#4, Brass Compass, Junior Alvarado, 8-1

Brass Compass has the most experience in the race, making his 37th start (9-1-4), where he has won three of his last four and five of his last six races. His last 16 starts have been at Woodbine and this will be his first ever start here. In the mix.

PICKS: 6-2-5-4

By Lou Monaco