Aqueduct: What is the best bet to make in the Remsen?

Five horses, five potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders, and a bevy of wagering options to consider.

Bettors are faced with a quandary for Saturday’s $150,000 Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct, a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race that will award 17 points (10-4-2-1) to the top four finishers. At first glance, #1 Pickin’ Time seems like a logical favorite. A two-time stakes winner, the son of Stay Thirsty enters off a sharp, 2 1/4-length triumph in the Nashua (G3) at Aqueduct.

As the lone graded stakes winner in the Remsen field, Pickin’ Time is a standout in terms of accomplishment. The 93 Brisnet Speed rating he posted in the Nashua also ranks as the highest figure in the field. But can Pickin’ Time maintain his advantage when he stretches out over 1 1/8 miles?

I’m not so certain. The added distance could tip the scales in favor of #2 Known Agenda, a promising colt trained Todd Pletcher, who has won the Remson twice.

A son of Curlin, out of Vanity H. (G1) winner Byrama, Known Agenda is bred top and bottom to thrive at 1 1/8 miles. He showed promise when he tackled the distance at Aqueduct last month, when he rallied to win a slow-paced maiden race, with a 92 Brisnet Speed rating and a 104 Brisnet Late Pace rating.

Known Agenda previously finished second in his debut sprinting at Belmont Park, where he was beaten only 1 3/4 lengths by future Nyquist S. winner Highly Motivated. With these two sharp efforts under his belt, Known Agenda looks like a serious threat for victory in his stakes debut, especially with jockey John Velazquez.

Since the Remsen field is small, there won’t be much value betting Known Agenda to win. Even playing him on top in the exacta might not be lucrative. Instead, we’ll aim for a larger payoff and key the chestnut colt on top in the trifecta.

Underneath, we’ll emphasize Pickin’ Time and Nashua (G3) runner-up #5 Ten for Ten, but we’ll also toss #4 Erawan into the mix.

A slow start compromised Erawan’s chances, when he finished third, a half-length behind the winner, in a 1 1/16-mile allowance at Laurel Park last month, so a clean break Saturday can trigger improvement.

$7.50 trifecta: 2 with 1,5 with 1,4,5 ($30)

Good luck!