A popular Riggins and a shocking Southwestern Dream took down top spot in their respective $40,000 divisions of the Aquarius Series, which got underway on Saturday evening at The Meadowlands.

Riggins fended off a pair of late challenges to take the opening split in a time of 1:50.1. Casie Coleman trains and David Miller drove the four-year-old son of Art Major to the winning effort.

Owned by Bulletproof Enterprises of Boca Raton, FL, who purchased the NYSS graduate out of last month’s January Select Mixed Sale for $220,000, Riggins took over command past the half and held off a hard-closing Bettor Sweet and quarter pole leader Blueridge Western en route to posting his second win in as many tries for the new connections.

It was the 11th lifetime victory for Riggins, who upped his overall cash stash to $510,557.

Southwestern Dream pulled off a 33-1 upset in the second division for the tandem of trainer Bruce Saunders and driver John Campbell. The four-year-old son of Cambest halted the teletimer in a career-best clocking of 1:50.

The gelding saved ground throughout the mile while Lookout Hanover laid down insane fractions of :26.2, :53.4 and 1:21.1. Lucky Man, who was sent off as the 6-5 favourite, put first over pressure on the leader around the final turn before taking over command in deep stretch.

Campbell shot up the pylons in the closing strides and nipped Lucky Man right on the line. That rival finished second while pacesetter Lookout Hanover held on to grab the show dough.

Frank Bellino of Bronxville, NY holds the papers on the gelding, who won for the 10th time in his career. The lion’s share of the purse bumped the pacer’s bankroll to $213,714.

The second leg of the Aquarius Series goes next Saturday evening at The Meadowlands, with the $75,000 (est.) final scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

To view Saturday’s results, click here.