2022 Ack Ack Stakes Value Plays

Injunction at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

September 29th, 2022

A total of 10 will go postward at Churchill Downs in Saturday’s $300,000 Ack Ack S. (G3), a "win and you're in" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

Grade 1 winner #1 Speaker’s Corner (1-1) is the one to both catch and beat for conditioner Bill Mott, but I feel that the four-year-old colt could be a bit vulnerable in this offering and is worth trying to beat at expected short odds. The ultra-talented son of Street Sense will be making his first start since running fourth at Del Mar last time out, and this seems like a good time to try and upend the Godolphin homebred.

I have been following the progression made by #7 Injunction (10-1) this campaign and will tab the gelding for an upset on Saturday. Trained by Carlo Vaccarezza, the chestnut has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in three straight outings, capped by a game stakes victory at Ellis Park most recently.

Second in the Knicks Go S. on the Kentucky Derby undercard, the son of Skipshot has run well on the course in the past and comes in fresh off some solid morning works as of late. He will be forwardly placed in this heat with first run on the deep closing types turning for home, and I like his chance to capitalize if the favorite fails to fire. Gerardo Corrales inherits the mount.

On class alone, Todd Pletcher’s #2 Untreated (9-2) has to be considered a prime win contender. The talented Nyquist colt is twice graded stakes placed this season while facing some serious foes, and the combination of the class relief and cutback in distance could surely aid the Team Valor color bearer. The four-year-old is a perfect three-for-three at eight panels, and he will be dead fit for this assignment following a trio of extended trips in preparation for this tilt. John Velazquez riding is always a good thing.

Four-time Grade 3 victor #3 Fulsome (5-1) dons a bright eight-for-14 lifetime line for conditioner Brad Cox, which includes a pair of wins on the Churchill strip. The Juddmonte homebred possesses the best turn of foot in the field, and he brings solid form to the event, with a trio of tallies from four tries in 2022. Florent Geroux will guide the son of Into Mischief.