Litfin's preview: Nashua, Tempted showcase for 2-year-olds
First post shifts to 12:20 p.m.
With the clocks turned back, Aqueduct’s opening week concludes with a shift back to 12:20 p.m. Eastern first post.
Exceptions will be an 11:25 a.m. start Thanksgiving Day, and noon starts on Black Friday (Nov. 28) and Cigar Mile Day (Nov. 29)
2-year-olds in the spotlight
In potential lead-ins to the Remsen and Demoiselle, 2-year-olds go one mile in a pair of $250,000 stakes on Sunday: The Grade 2 Nashua is race 3; the Grade 3 Tempted for fillies is race 6.
Todd Pletcher has uncoupled entries in both stakes. Savoy Stomp and Blofeld break from the two inside posts in the Nashua; Miss Always Ready and Enchantress break from the two outside posts in the Tempted.
Blofeld continues a stretch-out progression, following a debut win at five furlongs, and a rail-skimming score in the Futurity over Hebbronville, who is back again and getting a favorable six-pound shift in the weights.
Savoy Stomp handled the rail post to win first time out at Belmont, and the $875,000 colt by Medaglia d’Oro breaks from the fence once again.
Meanwhile, El Kabeir comes off a tough trip from the rail in the Champagne, and moves to the outside in the field of six. He adds blinkers, and may contend strongly based on a big maiden win at Saratoga.
In the Tempted, Enchantress and Miss Always Ready come off maiden wins, and project as part of a contested pace along with Harlan’s Honor and Sunday Sonnet. Sunday Sonnet exits the Grade 1 Chandelier as the lone entrant turning back from a longer race.
Paulassilverlining, who caught mud twice at Saratoga, stretches out after taking the six-furlong Matron Stakes in her first start on a fast track.
Jacaranda drew off to win her debut by five lengths in the mud at Belmont, and has continued to train forwardly, capped by a bullet five furlongs last Sunday.
Pazolini seeks fourth straight win
In race 8, Pazolini returns for his first start since taking the nightcap on Belmont Stakes Day, and looks to make it four wins from as many starts this year for Godolphin Racing and Kiaran McLaughlin.
Seven sprinters will oppose him in a third-level optional $75,000 claimer, including Doubledown Again, who wheels right back for Michelle Nevin after clearing his second-level allowance condition geared down opening day.
Horse to watch
MY ONE AND ONLY
Trainer: Joan Milne
Last race: Oct. 31, 6th
Finish: 7th by 2 1/4
Beyer: 67
Worked her way toward the inside while far back around the far turn, raced in traffic along the rail making up ground in the stretch, and galloped out with good energy past the wire of a starter allowance on turf.