With the prospect of rain throughout the afternoon in New Orleans and a damaged turf course capable of accommodating just eight runners, Fair Grounds, the heart of North American racing Saturday, is a no-go zone for me.

I picked Brad Cox-trained chalk in the Louisiana (Zozos) and the Silverbulletday (Chop Chop) but look to beat the Cox favorite Instant Coffee in the featured Lecomte. Stretchout sprinter Bromley, who runs like a route horse and has upside at a price, got a narrow call, not a rousing endorsement.

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:47 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

RACE 5: DOUBLE SHOT (#6)

Each week in this space, the top Beyer performances by maiden winners will be featured and analyzed. Click here for a complete archive.

Hejazi

CANDY ON TOP

Trainer: Carla Gaines

Last race: Jan. 13, race 1

Finish: Eighth by nine and one-quarter lengths

Beyer: 49

Older maiden had no shot in Cal-bred turf mile. Rail trip third or fourth, blocked final quarter-mile, coasted home. Toss this race. Contender in similar maiden turf route.

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Grade 3, $98,500 Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, Jan. 8, 2023
(10 qualifying points for first, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, 1 for fifth)

Winner: Reincarnate, by Good Magic
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Owner: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet
Beyer Speed Figure: 95
Distance - time: 1 mile - 1:35.87
Win margin: Neck

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:18 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

$250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes, Jan. 1, 2023 (10 qualifying points for first, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth) 

Winner: Victory Formation, by Tapwrit
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Owner: Spendthrift Farm and Frank Fletcher Racing Operations
Beyer: 91
Distance - time: 1 mile – 1:38.14
Win margin: 3 lengths

RACE 5: BALPOOL (#1)