Race 4:
Hallowen Horror (#6)

The Pace Projector is predicting he will get a fast pace to close into.

Has only made 4 starts on dirt, and still has room for improvement.

Gets some needed class relief after facing tougher foes last time.

8-1 on ML

:: Get TimeformUS PPs for these races at Aqueduct

Aqueduct | Race 6 | Post Time 2:50 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

Both our Pix last week got into gimmicks as we hoped—just not quite what we wanted. Tringale got bounced around but managed to get up to complete the super at Fait Grounds, while Core Beliefs and Jimmy Chila completed the trifecta and super at Santa Anita. Ten BreezeFigs maidens won last week and two others who were on the cards won stakes races.

Is it possible Gulfstream is now purposely carding races with heavy favorites at the end of a card (and in the Rainbow 6 sequence) so as to attempt to insure that a solo sweep of the huge jackpot is highly unlikely – and therefore render the Jan. 28 mandatory-payout date a true gambling extravaganza?

Race 6:
Puffery (#2)

Ran a competitive speed figure when finishing second in her debut.

Got an uncomfortable trip last time when she was repeatedly shuffled back behind tiring runners around the far turn.

Figures to get an honest pace to close into with a few key rivals possessing early speed.

7-2 on ML

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:20 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

NEW YORK – The Grade 3, $100,000 Las Cienegas on Santa Anita’s downhill turf course is the only graded event on Saturday’s stakes schedule. However, it is Sunshine Millions Day at Gulfstream, with four Florida-bred stakes worth a total of $600,000, and there are also multi-stakes cards at Tampa Bay Downs and Laurel.

Fire Plug Stakes

Race 2

Pegasus Red (#1)

Was chasing the pace four wide last time, whereas he’s better off closing from off the pace.

Should appreciate the slight cutback in distance to six furlongs.

DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Jason Servis is 17 for 48 (35 percent, $2.24 ROI) second off the claim in dirt sprints.

5-1 on ML

$147,000 Smarty Jones Stakes; one mile; Oaklawn Park; Jan. 15, 2018
(10 Derby qualifying points for a win, 4 for second, 2 for third, 1 for fourth)

Winner: Mourinho, by Super Saver
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke
Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred III
Beyer Speed Figure: 99