#7 Texas Wildcatter is my selection in a mild upset. The Pletcher trainee finished strong in his last two going this distance and improved in both. He is training very sharply for this and looks ready to step it up.
#1 Giant Moon is the horse to beat off a perfect 4-for-4 record, with two of them on this track. He has never won easily so don’t expect that here, but he has had a knack for getting that nose on the wire first. His toughest test to date.
#3 Roman Emperor has developed quite a nice Beyers profile coming into this race as he has improved in every single start of his career. The son of Empkire Maker started off with a modest 65, then progressed to 76, 82, 87, and finally 93 in his last. If that line of progression contintues, he could very well win this.
#10 Visionaire was a pretty decent 3rd to Pyro last out, but still can’t be too crazy about his closing fractions considering the pace he was running just off of. This field looks easier on paper, and that could make all the difference.
$5 trifecta box 1-3-7-10 ($60)
Of the rest, #2 Laysh Laysh Laysh earned a lofty 96 Beyer last time, and Saratoga Russel earned a 94, but I feel both will find things tougher at this distance. Of the two, Saratoga Russell looks the more dangerous as the Theatrical on the dam’s side adds some stamina. #9 Ling Ling Qi got a 91 Beyer last time but will be facing tougher and having to go longer, often a deadly combination.