Aqueduct Horse Racing Picks for Thursday, April 17, 2025

Below is a table for each race of the day. The table is ordered by our algorythmically calculated expected order of finish. Our program takes into account past performances, workout times, speed ratings, recency, and breeder/jockey data amoung other data points.

Using the “Expected” column, the lower number is better. When there is a clear lowest value, we like that horse best to win. In situations where many horses share low numbers, we like those horses equally well. If no horse is under 3, the results are less clear to us and bettors should examine the race more closely.

Using the “Value” column, we present the minimum payout we would recommend betting the particular horse. Look for higher-paying odds than those listed if you like that horse.

Scratches are notated and will be updated as available.

RACE NUMBER 1 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Lumenique 2.50 1 2-1
4 4 Looking for Ginny 1.80 1.5 3-1
1 1 Aerialist 15.00 3.7 7-1
3 3 Kyle’s Mom 2.00 3.8 7-1
2 2 Exotic Cat 15.00 4 8-1
5 5 Sweet Lilac 5.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 2 (Maiden Special Weight) – Maiden Special Weight

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 Shirl’s Delight 3.00 1 2-1
5 5 Stand the Rain 8.00 3 6-1
1 1 Donor Advised 0.40 3.3 6-1
3 3 That’s Funny 8.00 4.2 8-1
2 2 Luckforyou 15.00 4.5 8-1
4 4 Easily Sidetracked 30.00 6 11-1

RACE NUMBER 3 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Sorority Prank 4.00 1 2-1
5 5 Houlton 1.80 2 4-1
6 6 Incantation 8.00 2.5 5-1
4 4 Brewing 15.00 3.6 7-1
1 1 Broderick 20.00 4.7 9-1
2 2 Hero’s Medal 1.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 4 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
2 1 Neuschwanstein 2.00 1 2-1
5 5 Abadin 4.50 1.9 4-1
1A 8 Brew Pub 3.50 2.3 4-1
4 4 Tetsu 3.00 3.2 6-1
6 6 J J’s Joker 6.00 4 8-1
7 7 Honorary Degree 8.00 4.5 8-1
1 3 Return the Ring 3.50 SCRATCH
3 2 Wine Responsibly 30.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 5 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
3 3 Mariachi 2.00 1 2-1
7 7 Gun It 4.50 4.4 8-1
5 5 Spun and Won 3.00 4.6 9-1
2 2 Cold as Hell 6.00 4.7 9-1
4 4 Dangerous Ride 15.00 5.8 11-1
1 1 Acoustic Ave 3.50 SCRATCH
6 6 M B’s Munning 12.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 6 (Claiming) – Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 5 Margin of Air 1.60 1 2-1
6 6 Bold Endeavor 1.00 1.4 3-1
3 3 Lost in Rome 8.00 3.2 6-1
2 2 Bossmakinbossmoves 12.00 4.6 9-1
8 8 Wild Banker 30.00 6.9 13-1
4 4 Commandperformance 20.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Life and Light 15.00 SCRATCH
1 1 Hermoso Hombre 15.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 7 (Allowance Optional Claiming) – Allowance Optional Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
5 6 Treaty Obligation 2.50 1 2-1
1A 3 Leading Contender 2.00 1 2-1
1 2 Reasoned Analysis 2.00 2.2 4-1
3 4 Ignite the Light 4.50 3.8 7-1
6 7 Drum Roll Please 15.00 3.9 7-1
4 5 Reddington 8.00 4.4 8-1
7 8 Magnolia Midnight 4.00 5.1 10-1
2 1 Big Boys Answer 10.00 SCRATCH

RACE NUMBER 8 (Maiden Claiming) – Maiden Claiming

Expected Order of Finish

Prgm Post Name ML Expected Value
6 6 King of the Castle 0.80 1 2-1
3 3 Magni 4.50 1.4 3-1
5 5 Fines Creek 12.00 SCRATCH
7 7 Big Ego 8.00 2.9 5-1
9 9 Break the Fall 10.00 3 6-1
8 8 Vesuvio 12.00 4.1 8-1
1 1 Gorzo 10.00 4.8 9-1
4 4 Uncle Barrie 30.00 5.9 11-1
10 10 Ark Royal 30.00 6.7 13-1
2 2 Tip of the Boot 50.00 SCRATCH

Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Keep up to date on late scratches and other changes – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk.