The TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance may have decided who will be crowned the champion of the 2-year-old division, yet a race like the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes can also have an impact on next year’s Triple Crown trail.
At a two-turn, 1 1/8-mile distance, it provides the connections of late-developing 2-year-olds with a grand opportunity to see how their horse will fare as 3-year-olds in 2021 when two-turn races become the norm in major Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve preps.
1. Pickin’ Time (5-2): He was a sharp winner of the one-mile Nashua Stakes last time and as a son of Travers winner Stay Thirsty, the two turns should not faze him. Will get a ground-saving trip from the rail and rates as a major factor here.
JOCKEY: Jose Lezcano; TRAINER: Kelly Breen
2. Known Agenda (8-5): He owns a win at this track and distance, which is a big plus. Coming out of Todd Pletcher’s barn only adds to the appeal. That win, however, was against maidens in moderate time and he’ll need to take a step forward to handle this field.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
3. Brooklyn Strong (7-2): A winner of a stakes for New York State-breds in his last start, he’ll be tested for class here. If you’re skeptical, it’s probably slipped your mind that Tiz the Law is a New York-bred. He should be a force here.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: Daniel Velazquez
4. Erawan (15-1): In a small field, he’s the outsider. He rallied strongly at 1 1/16 miles against allowance company at Laurel Park last time out, so the distance should not be problem. It’s his speed figures which are cut below the rest.
JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Jose Corrales
5. Ten for Ten (2-1): He was second in the Nashua at a shorter distance, but he set fast fractions while being unable to fend off Pickin’ Time. In a small field, he should be able to get away with much more modest fractions here, and that may allow him to lead from start to finish.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Shug McGaughey
THE PICK: Ten for Ten
LIVE LONGSHOT: Brooklyn Strong
SUPERFECTA: 5-1-2-3
Superfecta
3-5-2-1
3-5-2-1
$6
Superfecta
3-5-2-1
3-5-2-1
$6
