Jeff Siegel’s National Best Plays for Saturday, April 23, 2022

Aqueduct First Race. Post time: 1:20 ET
3-Forwardly (9/5)

Was given a race in his debut last November, lagging early and then finishing on his own courage when fifth, beaten just over three lengths, in a race that was better than the line will show. The Chad Brown-trained colt sports a solid series of workouts for his return and should appreciate this nine furlong trip. A first-time Lasix user with a healthy, steady series of drills, the son of Twirling Candy looks hard to beat in this maiden turf affair

Keeneland Ninth Race. Post time: 5:16 ET
1-Bemma’s Boy (5-1)

With a couple of middle distance tighteners at Fair Grounds behind him, this proven marathoner gets his favorite trip in this year’s edition of the Elkhorn S.-G2, and in a race loaded with front-running speed types his closing style should be extremely effective. The Mike Maker-trained gelding is assured a ground-saving trip from his rail post and a patient ride from new pilot Umberto Rispoli, so at 5-1 on the morning line the son of Into Mischief represents a good gamble in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.