Saturday features stakes action from coast-to-coast, with several turf stakes at Gulfstream Park as well as three graded stakes races at Santa Anita. You’ll find whatever you’re looking for Saturday – potentially vulnerable favorites, turf sprints, two-mile turf marathons, and quality sprinters showcasing “California speed.” I’ll look at two of the graded events from Santa Anita and one from Gulfstream Park.

Robert J. Frankel Stakes

Race 4:
Professor Snape (#3)
Antonio Arriaga gets an 81 TimeformUS Trainer Rating with horses making their first start for his barn.
In a limited sample, Arriaga’s horses have been outperforming expectations at this Aqueduct meet.
This drastic rise in claiming price from $14,000 to $50,000 suggests that an improved performance may be forthcoming.
5-1 on ML

Dec. 23

Gulfstream
Mr. Prospector (race 10)

BEST BET: All Go (11th race)

First Race

1. Venezuelan Forever 2. Michelle'z Laugh 3. Sol Dat Sugar

VENEZUELAN FOREVER adds blinkers, switches to more experienced pilot, should move forward enough to earn diploma in this spot. MICHELLE'Z LAUGH in hot hands since her last, expecting big improvement here. SOL DAT SUGAR on the AE list but in a paceless race could stand some catching if she draws in.

Second Race

1. Ranger in Paradise 2. He's Got Talent 3. Bordini

Aqueduct | Race 7 | Post Time 3:17 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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Race 4

Clutch Cargo (#1)

Ran a somewhat competitive speed figure in his last dirt race back in June, and did so against decent horses.

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

Should offer decent value in a race where Blewitt is likely to go off as a heavy favorite.

8-1 on ML

:: Get TimeformUS PPs for these races at Aqueduct

Aqueduct | Race 8 | Post Time 3:47 p.m. (ET) | Go to the FREE TimeformUS PPs

First of all, Merry Christmas, Ho! Ho! Ho! Now to business. We thought keying on Prospective Lady was the thing to do last week and though she finished third, none of the others we liked to key with her cooperated.

Race 2:
Steve’s Image (#1)
The Pace Projector is predicting that he will be on the lead in a situation favoring the front-runner.
Has run competitive speed figures in the past, and his last race suggests he’s back in top form.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Charlton Baker is 22 for 98 (22 percent, $2.98 ROI) in dirt sprints at NYRA with horses that are coming off wins.
6-1 on ML
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Aqueduct | Race 3 | Post Time 1:47 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs