Exotics Plays for the 2023 Lukas Classic

Grade 1 hero #9 Anamericanrevolution (5-2) is among the top threats in Saturday’s $500,000 Lukas Classic S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the lightly raced five-year-old earned his biggest victory to date when garnering the 2021 Cigar Mile H. (G1), and he has put forth some very good performances since that coup, as well. 

Lukas Classic Exotics

• $25 exacta 9 with 4 ($25)
• $12 exacta 9 with 5 ($12)
• $1 trifecta key 9 with 1,4,5,7 ($12)
• $1 superfecta 4,9 with 4,9 with 1,5,7 with 1,5,7 ($12)

The son of Constitution was a clear second in the 2022 Stephen Foster S. (G2) the last time he appeared beneath the Twin Spires, and I expect him to run a similar type of race in his local return. Bred in the Empire State, the chestnut likes the surface and distance, and he also has the ideal running style to match his outside post draw. Tyler Gaffalione will have the leading selection stalking the pace while always in the clear to the top of the lane, prior to asking him for his best inside the final furlong. 

The Kenny McPeek-trained #4 Rattle N Roll (7-5) is the deserving morning-line choice in the event. By Connect, the colt has been in very good form this season and ran better than it appears on paper when sixth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup S. (G1) at Saratoga last time out. The Kentucky-bred four-year-old has amassed a 6-3-2-1 line on this surface, and he possesses a consistently strong turn of foot in the stretch, as well. Regular rider Brian Hernandez will take the $210,000 yearling purchase back early before getting him accelerating approaching the turn for home. 

I like Victoria Oliver’s #5 Trademark (12-1) as an exotics piece in the race at a good price. The Upstart gelding has finished in the top three on a trio of occasions in succession leading up to the tilt, and his 3-for-4 mark on the dirt in Louisville adds to his appeal, too. The bay has the tactical speed to be in range early on, but he can also close from well back with effectiveness, as well. Martin Garcia will be in the silks atop the four-year-old. 

The red-hot #7 Whelen Springs (12-1) and one-run closer #1 Happy American (8-1), are both capable of grabbing a share at a square number with the right setup.