Exotics Plays for the Knickerbocker Stakes

A competitive cast of six will go 1 1/8 miles on the outer turf at Aqueduct in Sunday’s $175,000 Knickerbocker S. (G3). The Jimmy Toner-trained #6 Siege of Boston doesn’t win all that often with three tallies compared to 12 placings in his career, but the son of War Front has been mostly consistent while facing top foes on many occasions, and he is an ideal horse to use for the exotics. 

Knickerbocker Exotics

• $10 exacta box 1-6 ($20)
• $3 superfecta 1,6 with 1,6 with 5 with all ($18)
• $2 superfecta 1,6 with 1,6 with all with 5 ($12)

The five-year-old owns a win and a second from a pair of prior runs at Aqueduct, and the bay comes off of a pair of very good placings in the Bluegrass State as of late as well. He possesses tactical speed and a strong turn of foot that makes his outside post draw a natural fit for his running style. The Kentucky-bred shows a trio of morning drills in advance of this endeavor, and I envision him tracking the pace from third along the back side before moving into contention in midstretch under the guidance of Joel Rosario. 

#1 Redistricting is the wild card in the field, in my opinion. One of two from the mighty Chad Brown barn, the Kingman gelding has flashed considerable potential on two occasions in his four-race career, and he will be making his first appearance since being pulled up early in the Hollywood Derby (G1) in December. 

The Klaravich color-bearer was dominant in both his maiden and allowance victories, and his connections thought enough of him to try Grade 1 company on a pair of occasions last season. I have faith that Brown wouldn’t put him in this spot if he didn’t think that he was ready, and Redistricting has posted seven well-timed morning moves leading up to his comeback as well. Manny Franco has the assignment. 

San Marcos S. (G3) third #5 Irish Prophet is intriguing coming in from the Golden State. The Neil Drysdale pupil has won or placed in each of his four appearances in 2024, and the Florida-bred could inherit the early lead in a race lacking a confirmed frontrunner. Jose Lezcano has the call.