HORSE RACING

The Demoiselle

Aqueduct, Race 6 - Post 2:22

$250,000 (Grade II), 2 y.o., fillies, 1 1/8 mi.

2. Emollient. . . Junior Alvarado. . . 1-1

3. Miss Patricia. . . Ramon Dominguez. . . 4-1

1. Unlimited Budget. . . John Velazquez. . . 2-1

4. Flash Forward. . . Jose Espinoza. . . 30-1

1-a Coconut Shrimp. . . Javier Castellano. . . 2-1

5. Giant Cats Eye. . . Alan Garcia. . . 20-1

6. Ruby Lips. . . Edgar Prado. . . 10-1

Unlimited Budget cost $475,000 back in March and won her debut as if she might be worth more than the purchase price. She won by nearly 10 lengths, and the extra 220 yards should only enhance her chances. Emollient is going to be a solid favorite off her big speed figure win, but none of the fillies that ran behind her that day has done anything in subsequent races. She is the most likely winner, but I am going to take a stand against her. Miss Patricia was 9-5 in her debut and a very solid winner.

* D.J.'s picks

1. Unlimited Budget

2. Emollient

3. Miss Patricia

The Remsen

Aqueduct, Race 7 - Post 2:51

$250,000 (Grade II), 2 y.o., 1 1/8 miles

2. Vegas No Show. . . Paco Lopez. . . 5-1

3. Irsaal. . . Alan Garcia. . . 20-1

1. Micromanage. . . John Velazquez. . . 4-1

4. Delhomme. . . Javier Castellano. . . 2-1

5. Keep the Canoli. . . Rajiv Maragh. . . 12-1

6. Indy's Illusion. . . Edgar Prado. . . 12-1

1-a Overanalyze. . . Ramon Dominguez. . . 4-1

7. Stormy Len. . . Junion Alvarado. . . 20-1

8. Quinzieme Monarque. . . Joel Rosario. . . 20-1

9. Normandy Invasion. . . Jose Lezcano. . . 3-1

Normandy Invasion could not have been more impressive breaking his maiden. Coming back in 3 weeks is quick for trainer Chad Brown, so that is a cause for concern. Delhomme is by the same sire as Union Rags (Dixie Union) and is a Pennsylvania-bred. Dazzled in a very fast maiden win last month at Belmont Park. Overanalyze was an impressive winner of the Futurity, but did not duplicate that performance in a subsequent stake at Churchill Downs.

* D.J.'s picks

1. Normandy Invasion

2. Delhomme

3. Overanalyze

The Cigar Mile Handicap

Aqueduct, Race 8 - Post 3:20

$350,000 (Grade G I), 3 y.o. & up, 1 mile

1. Stay Thirsty. . . Ramon Dominguez. . . 7-2

2. Associate. . . John Velazquez. . . 20-1

3. Buffum. . . Eddie Castro. . . 6-1

4. Jersey Town. . . Javier Castellano. . . 4-1

5. Hymn Book. . . Joel Rosario. . . 6-1

6. Coil. . . Martin Garcia. . . 8-1

7. Groupie Doll. . . Rajiv Maragh. . . 8-5

Trainer Buff Bradley put a set of blinkers on the brilliant filly Groupie Doll on April 12. She has been unbeatable since then. No horses made up ground on Breeders' Cup weekend at Santa Anita. Groupie Doll was sixth early in her race, then wide and still roared by the field in the stretch, running right through the bias. Now, she will try the boys for the first time. She might lose, but I would not bet on that proposition. Hymn Book was second in this race last year, a tipoff that he was about to have a big 2012. Jersey Town won the 2010 Cigar and, on his best day, is capable of giant efforts.

* D.J.'s picks

1. Groupie Doll

2. Hymn Book

3. Jersey Town

- Dick Jerardi