Of those with experience, Hubba Bubba (2) brings the best credentials to this affair. He handled the turf well in his initial try over the surface last time, while just getting passed by the talented Spirit Animal in the late stages. He’s going to be a much shorter price this time, but I don’t want to dismiss him since he fits the likely race flow very well. It’s difficult to predict how much pace there will be in the early stages, and he figures to be forwardly placed, if not on the lead, from this inside post position. That could be a significant advantage over a rail-biased Widener course. I’m using him prominently, but I prefer the runner posted just to his inside.

MALTHAEL's (1) turf debut last time out was a little disappointing. Better was expected out of him – at least by me – given how well he trained in the mornings and his excellent pedigree, as a half-brother to multiple Grade 1 winner A. P. Indian. I still think this son of Noble Mission has some ability, and I want to give him another chance. The pace never materialized in that Sep. 8 affair and he really had no chance to close in a race where few horses did any passing. Now he gets Lasix for his second turf try. Over the past five years, Christophe Clement is 16 for 68 (24 percent, $2.25 ROI) with maidens adding Lasix for the first time in turf races. I like his inside draw, and I would expect to see him show a bit more early speed this time.

All of the other horses that I would consider are first time starters. North Dakota (3) is obviously bred to be a nice horse as a half-brother to top sire War Front. I would also use Traveling (5) and Tintoretto (9), who both may get ignored in the wagering.

THE PLAY

Win: 1
Exacta Key Box: 1 with 2,3,5,9