TimeformUS Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018

Race 3: Pretentious (#6)

Has improved since being claimed and stretched out to a mile.

Did well to overcome a slow pace last time while closing against arguably tougher company.

Mertkan Kantarmaci’s horses have been running surprisingly well during the past month.

7-2 on ML

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Race 6: Playwright (#3)

Was steadied on the far turn last time and did well to rally for second thereafter.

A one-turn mile is his best distance, having earned both of his career victories at this trip.

The Danny Gargan barn has started to pick up steam in the last month.

4-1 on ML

Race 8: Blindwillie McTell (#6)

Chased home a very talented horse in Le General last time while finishing well clear of the rest.

Should work out a good trip from off the pace in a race that is predicted to feature a fast pace.

DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Linda Rice is 20 for 49 (41 percent, $3.26 ROI) with second-time starting maidens in dirt sprints at Aqueduct.

4-1 on ML