Sunday Racing Picks: Damon Runyon Stakes - Aqueduct

PICK: #4 Scilly Cay (Race 8 - Damon Runyon Stakes - Aqueduct)

#4, Scilly Cay, Jose Lezcano, 7-2

He has finished in the money in four of his last five starts and comes off a fourth-place finish in the Gander Stakes here on Feb. 16. A start prior, he won the Rego Park Stakes by 3 ½ lengths going 6 1/2 furlongs under Jose Lezcano. Lezcano comes back for the mount after missing the last for trainer Linda Rice. Lezcano returning is huge and I believe he returns to the winners circle today because of it.

Verdict: The pick

#3, Bourbon Bay, Manuel Franco, 7-2

This will be Bourbon Bay’s fifth career start (1-2-1) as he comes off a third-place finish as the even-money favorite in the Gander Stakes here on Feb. 16. A start prior on New Year’s Day, he finished second in the Jerome Stakes and looks for his first win since a maiden special weight race here on Dec. 5. Manuel Franco has the mount for trainer Mark Hennig.

Verdict: Runner-up

#1, Dream Bigger, Junior Alvarado, 3-1

Dream Bigger will be making his seventh career start (2-3-1) and was third in his last to my top selection, Scilly Cay, in the Rego Park Stakes on Jan. 12. His last came in the Notebook Stakes here, capping a two-race win streak on Nov. 17. Junior Alvarado has the mount for trainer Rudy Rodriguez.

Verdict: Contender