Exotics Plays for the Commonwealth Turf Stakes

A total of nine three-year-olds will vie in Saturday’s $300,000 Commonwealth Turf S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile turf endeavor attracted an accomplished group of sophomores in what appears to be a good betting opportunity. 

Commonwealth Exotics

• $3 exacta key box 1 with 3,7,8,9 ($24)
• $1 trifecta 1,3 with 1,3,7,8,9 with 1,3,7,8,9 ($24)
• 20-cent superfecta 1,3 with 1,3,7,8,9 with 1,3,7,8,9 with 1,3,7,8,9 ($9.60)

Canadian champion #1 My Boy Prince (6-1) is my top pick from the rail. Trained by Mark Casse, the gray colt has had excuses for his past pair of runs on the sod, but he was twice Grade-1 placed on the lawn in 2023 and I expect a big performance from him while making his local debut. 

The son of Cairo Prince, second in the prestigious King’s Plate S. on the Tapeta at Woodbine three back, bit off more than he could chew when sixth in the Woodbine Mile (G1) against his elders two back, which preceded an unplaced showing in the Bryan Station S. (G3) at Keeneland in his last outing. He set rapid early splits at Keeneland before giving way in late stretch most recently, and a more sensible voyage could yield much better results on Saturday. Florent Geroux will pilot the Ontario-bred.

Jockey Club Derby (G3) fourth #3 Dashman (5-2) has run well in each lifetime try on the lawn and is arguably the one to beat in the event. Conditioned by Brian Lynch, the Oscar Performance homebred has versatility in his running style, and the bay colt was a decent third in his lone local appearance to date, as well. He is much improved since his latest venture beneath the Twin Spires and is a top three must-use with Luis Saez in the stirrups. 

The trio of outside runners in the cast makes a lot of sense for the exotics, too. #7 Lagynos (4-1) has a big turn of foot for Steve Asmussen and has hit the board in two of his three local runs to date, with both coming in the stakes ranks. Bryan Station S. (G3) third #8 Herchee (3-1) has been in the top three in each lifetime appearance and wouldn’t be a major surprise for conditioner Helen Pitts. The Group-3 placed #9 Evade (7-2) has been solid while fourth in both U. S. tries to date and will be a major contender with even slight improvement for conditioner Mike Maker.