Come Catch Aggie Engineer in San Pasqual

Aggie Engineer, whose soft early pace set him up perfectly for the first graded win of his career last month, could get a similar scenario Jan. 8 when the Paddy Gallagher trainee faces five rivals in the $150,000 San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita.

Joe Talamo, who nursed Ward and Roberta Williford's 5-year-old homebred to a stubborn 1 3/4-length win in the seven-horse Native Diver Handicap (gr. III) over the Hollywood Park Cushion Track Dec. 4, likes his chances to do the same over Santa Anita's dirt track at 1 1/16 miles. The E Dubai gelding owns a two-race winning streak heading into the San Pasqual.

“But he’s such a versatile horse, he really doesn’t need the lead," Talamo said. "Obviously, he runs his best races on the front. He had such a great trip last time; he walked the dog.”

Aggie Engineer traveled the first half-mile in the Native Diver in :50.52 and six furlongs in 1:15.49 while taking command. He opened up a three-length lead mid-stretch and held on gamely.