Before the Belmont Stakes we have the Chad Brown Stak—I mean the Manhattan Stakes for older horses going 10 furlongs on the turf.
As the track handicapper said,
Bricks and Mortar does not have to win this race. But he looks pretty legit. First go at the extra half panel is the only knock on him.
Channel Maker may be a step slower at five years old. He'll need to need to work out a trip not too far back. It's hard to read where he fits running style wise. But he may be the class of the field. I'd like to see more value than second choice to do much with him.
Things get interesting with the third choice
Olympico. Best late run. Respectable USA debut, and may well improve on that second off the layoff. Tons of experience at 10f. Upside at four years old. Would like to see a little price here. Otherwise willing to bet he'll handle firm turf.
Robert Bruce has run some hot paces lately. Distance no problem. Speed and class fit here but don't stand out. Tied for third choice and probably won't get any cheaper. Running style similar to formidable
. Probably one I'll perilously bet against. Call him my "can't bet them all" horse.
What to do with
Qurbaan? He doesn't win, especially at this distance, but usually hits the board. Otherwise has fitting class and speed. Pretty confident putting him underneath.
Raging Bull didn't embarrass himself in the Turf Classic at Churchill last time out and that classy field puts him here. But he got beat by two of these there, and doesn't have much else to recommend him. Like
, runs a similar style as
. Did I mention the extra panel he has to run? Seems up against it here, but could surprise if he sustains an aggressive move. Ads blinkers, so there's that.
Seven-year-old
Catcho En Die laid off nearly 10 months coming into this with no angle to suggest that's favorable. It's not like he's the only one that can get the distance and looks weakest among a crowded field of mid-packers. No thanks.
Channel Cat has some upside and Pletcher and experience at the distance, but he's outclassed. Maybe someone can make a longshot case for him.
The Fair Grounds Handicap puts
Bandua here, but that's about it. He looks to get the lead. Not sure that'll do him much good. The
should keep him honest. Even
may decide to take an early run at the lead for his shot.
I need to see some prices here but I want to do something with
,
,
or maybe even
. Basically dissimilar running styles to the
which will dominate those, I reckon.
Epical Could get loose here and at the price is worth a shot.
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