Aqueduct Racecourse in New York is set to host a captivating slate of turf races, featuring some familiar faces and promising newcomers. Let's dive into the details and uncover the potential winners in these graded stakes events.

Elevating the Excitement: A Preview of Aqueduct's Turf Showdowns

The Hill Prince: A Clash of Emerging Talents

The Hill Prince Stakes promises an intriguing mile-and-an-eighth journey, showcasing a mix of 3-year-old contenders looking to make their mark. The standout in this field is the Kentucky Derby hopeful, #3 Deterministic, who has found a new lease on life on the turf. With his early speed and proven ability to handle the distance, Deterministic is poised to deliver a strong performance. However, he may not be the safest bet as the favorite, as the race presents several other compelling options.Cugino, the #2 horse, has been one of the most consistent runners in this division all season, demonstrating the versatility to win both on the lead and from off the pace. If he can secure a favorable trip and pounce on the far turn, he could prove a formidable challenger. The wildcard in the race is #1 Bartlett, a speed specialist who has yet to try the turf. If he can wire the field, as we've seen happen in New York before, he could offer an enticing upset opportunity at an attractive price of 8-1.Trainer Chad Brown's #6 Right to Vote is another horse to keep an eye on, as the step up in class could be the catalyst for a breakthrough performance after a smart win at Saratoga.

The Red Smith Stakes: A Clash of Titans on the Turf

The Red Smith Stakes, the second graded event on the card, has a Breeders' Cup-esque feel, with some of the East and West Coast's top turf performers colliding in a marathon distance test. #8 Master Piece, shipping in from Del Mar, where he has taken on the best on the West Coast, is a compelling contender, having won twice over this turf course.Shug McGaughey's #2 Integration, the defending champion of this race, looks to have the best shot to secure the win for the Hall of Fame trainer. He has been knocking on the door of a big-time graded stakes victory this season and could finally break through here.The experienced #6 Adhamo has been a fixture in graded stakes, though he has only managed to win one of them in his recent outings. The class relief he receives today could be the key to unlocking his past form and securing a victory.Rounding out the contenders is #9 Rebel Red, the least experienced horse in the field but arguably the one with the highest upside. Coming off a strong allowance win at Keeneland, Rebel Red will be tested with the step up in distance, but his pedigree suggests he has the potential to handle the added ground.