I actually don't mind that this race has come off the turf, because I think there's an interesting contender who was originally entered for grass that may get somewhat ignored in the wagering. DUBROVSKY (13) comes in from Parx with a mediocre set of speed figures for a low-profile barn that rarely ships to NYRA. At first glance, he might look less appealing than some of the local horses, but I think he's actually run better than it might appear in a number of his races. It's worth noting that he is coming out of significantly tougher maiden events on the dirt than almost all of his rivals. Maximus Mischief, who won his debut in September, may go off as the favorite in the Remsen, so losing to him by a wide margin is no disgrace. Direct Order, who won his second start, is favored to win an allowance race earlier on this card, and Gates of Dawn, who participated in each of his last two races also has some real quality to him. I thought Dubrovsky put in an improved effort with the addition of blinkers last time, as he rallied from far back to get up for third with a sustained run in a fast race. I see no reason why he shouldn't continue improving with the stretch-out in distance, and he figures to be a square price. I also wonder if his connections entered him in this spot with the idea that it might come off the turf in mind. The fact of the matter is that his dirt competition just isn't particularly formidable. Twelfthofneverland has run faster on one occasion, but I'm not sure that he's more talented than my top pick, and the others were meant for turf.

THE PLAY

Win: 13
Exacta Key Box: 13 with 1,6,10,14