Best exotics to play in the Kent Stakes on July 3

A total of nine three-year-olds, including a pair entered for the main-track only, will vie in Saturday’s $150,000 Kent S. (G3) at Delaware Park. The nine-furlong grassy tilt features a field with little separation on paper, which makes it a good event to reach for the vertical exotics.

Augustin Stable’s #4 Be Here proved capable of rallying from behind horses when finishing second to a fine winner on the course in his turf debut. Jonathan Thomas trainee will race as a gelding for the initial time on Saturday, and I believe the move to 1 1/8 miles will suit him perfectly. He would be worth a straight wager if let off at a healthy number.

I haven’t given up on #5 Like the King, winner of the Jeff Ruby S. (G3) at Turfway Park this season. Trained by Wesley Ward, the chestnut three-year-old had a lot going against him in the Audubon S. at Churchill Downs last time out, but a major move forward is expected as he races on the green for the third time.

The Kelly Breen-trained #2 Yes This Time conquered the English Channel S. last out to move his winning streak to four. Not This Time colt has superb form combined with a versatile running style, making him potentially the one to beat under Bravo. I envision the white-hot youngster to be in the first flight in the early stages.

Godolphin homebred #1 Gershwin has yet to run on the sod, even though he's been entered three times in races washed off the turf. Chestnut Distorted Humor colt aced the Penn Mile S. (G3) over sloppy going most recently, and the half-brother to Dubai World Cup (G1) star Mystic Guide seems capable of handling any type of surface. He will be included on class alone.

Since I lack a clear-cut selection in the field, I will include each of the four aforementioned sophomores in my plays.

Kent Wagers

• $2 exacta box: 1,2,4,5 ($24)
• $.50-cent trifecta box: 1,2,4,5 ($12)
• $.50-cent superfecta box: 1,2,4,5 ($12)