Arlington: Two value contenders to use in the Bruce D Stakes

A cast of nine sophomores will contest Saturday’s $300,000 Bruce D S. (G1) at Arlington Park on Saturday. Jack Sisterson’s #2 Tango Tango Tango (2-1) is the one to beat coming off a fine score in the recent American Derby S. on the course last time out. The Calumet color bearer responded to the addition of blinkers in a big way on that occasion, and any improvement will make the son of Tourist very tough to upend on Saturday.

The talented #6 Point By Me (3-1) also deserves a lot of attention as a win player. The Eddie Kenneally trainee has flashed nice potential in each run to date, and the son of Point of Entry could be primed for a top effort in his second route engagement. But there are a pair of other contenders in the cast that merit a long look in my opinion, with each likely to go postward at a fair price in the one-mile test.

#4 Ginsburned (5-1) gave a good impression of himself in a graduating run on the Ellis Park turf last time out. Conditioned by Rusty Arnold, the son of Noble Mission rallied into a decent early pace to win going away while clocking a sharp final time. The $110,000 gelding has a lot of room for improvement in making just his second start since February, and he posted a very nice half-mile drill at Keeneland in anticipation of Saturday. Julien Leparoux will guide the late runner.

#9 Like a Saltshaker (12-1) has appeal as one of two in the field for Larry Rivelli. The Keystone State-bred is a stakes winner on the All-Weather, and he finished a fantastic second in the 2020 Awad S. at Belmont Park in his lone previous run on the lawn. He handled a yielding course on that occasion, so if the course has moisture in it on Saturday, then the son of Peace and Justice moves forward from the outside draw. E. T. Baird inherits the mount.

I will use the latter pair of players in the field in all vertical and horizontal wagers for value reasons. And if either of the duo offers enough value in the win pool, then I will explore that option, as well.

Value Plays to Consider:

• #4 Ginsburned
• #9 Like a Saltshaker