PACE: It's no secret that the Aqueduct inner track plays well to early speed. Sometimes you will see in the past performances that a horse's recent run lines have him racing 3rd or 4th or even 5th early on and today he wires the field at an OK number.

Is there a way to predict that this horse might be on the engine beforehand? Yes, there is.

Things to look for: The yellow and blue icon on the Full Card Reports. This can be found on the Quick-F and Diamond reports. Runners so designated have the top early AND mid pace figures in the the race. Barring a tie in the ratings there can only be one.

This horse may be dropping in company and/or competing against a slower group if he's running back in the same class.

His run lines may not have him on top in the early going in recent races but he's got a GOOD shot to be there out of the gate today and WIN AT A PRICE!.

FORM: Look for a "recent impressive workout", particularly a recent gate work for a maiden race that is among the fastest of the day.

Trainers often signal their intentions for early speed by busting quick work tabs for their horses.

On our reports look for the icon to designate this.

EQUIPMENT: Look for the blinkers on. If a horse hasn't been wearing them but gets them today figure the rider is going to be instructed to go early.

Pay close attention to horses putting on the blinks AND breaking from an inside post in the 6 furlong races.

The Diamond reports indicate which horses are getting blinkers added. You will find this info in the comments section for each horse.

SPEED & FADE: Do not be scared off by runners who have a "speed and fade" recent run line even if from a different surface or track.

These horses often go home on top on the Aqueduct inner and stay there.

You can find a notation for these "speed and fade" horses in the comments section for each horse on the Diamond reports.

"Showed good speed from the start to the stretch in last start but faded late. Shows a pattern that indicates this horse might carry its speed further today."

MORE INNER TRACK TIPS: The most important thing to know is that the Aqueduct inner track is a speed favoring surface especially at the mile, mile and 70, and mile and a sixteenth distances.

Posts 1 through 3 have an advantage at these distances as these runners will usually be into the first turn near the rail and enjoying a ground saving trip.

It is not uncommon to see outside runners being fanned very wide on the first turn and being greatly compromised. Races at a mile and an eighth and beyond are more fair with the longer run to the turn.

EVEN MORE INNER TRACK TIPS: Speed is critical with sprints as well but the posts are not as important. Regardless of post, horses with early foot will be trying to "clear and tuck" so as not to be caught too wide on the turn.

Off the pace horses will usually try to get the inside ground saving trip before coming outside for the drive. It is important to watch the early races closely.

When the rail is "golden" the regular NY riders will do anything they can to be on it.

Depending on weather conditions there will also be days when they avoid it as the rail can be cuppy and dull when wet and draining.

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