Betting With, and Against, Santin in the Coolmore Mile Stakes

An overflow field of 16 will travel one mile on the Keeneland turf in Saturday’s $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile S. (G1). The fantastic cast is led by two-time Grade 1 victor #7 Santin (7-2) from the barn of Brendan Walsh. The Godolphin homebred is 2-for-2 at the distance, he is a winner from one try on the course, and the son of Distorted Humor is also in career form in advance of Saturday, as well.

Santin was a promising three-year-old but has obviously taken the next step this season, and if the bay puts forth his best effort, then he will be a tough beat in this spot. Regular rider Tyler Gaffalione will ride and have the colt forwardly placed from the opening bell.

I have been super impressed with Todd Pletcher’s #8 Annapolis (10-1), who has been first or second in each of his six lifetime tries to date to this stage of his development. By War Front, the Kentucky-bred was last seen toying with his foes in the Saranac S. (G3) at Saratoga, and the sophomore has shown versatility in being capable of running his best, whether on or off of the early tempo. Annapolis continues to train steadily and looms large with regular pilot Irad Ortiz Jr. in the silks.

#6 Ivar (6-1) is a Grade 1 victor on the oval and could sit a perfect trip behind a swift and contested pace to the top of the lane. Trained by Paulo Lobo, the six-year-old son of Agnes Gold is among the top milers in the U.S., and I think it could benefit him to have the blinkers off in this particular spot, as well. The dark bay will be taken back early before being asked for his run turning for home by regular jock Joe Talamo.

The Brad Cox-trained #12 Set Piece (15-1) is another deep closing type who figures to thrive in a field with an abundance of pace in the fold. The Juddmonte homebred loves to win, as evidenced by his 11-for-23 career mark, and he comes off of a facile tally at the distance at Pimlico most recently, as well. Joel Rosario picks up the mount atop the live value contender.

European import #3 Order of Australia (8-1) bagged the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) on the surface and is a generous price on the morning line. The Aidan O’Brien pupil was a game second at Longchamp most recently and brought in world-class jockey Christophe Soumillon for the voyage, too. The son of Australia is a logical inclusion.

Santin – With

$.50-cent superfecta: 7 with 3,6,8,12 with 3,6,8,12 with all ($54)

Santin – Against

$2 win: #8 Annapolis ($25)

$2 exacta box: 3,6,8,12 ($24)

$.50-cent trifecta: 8 with 3,6,7,12 with all ($20)