Exotics Plays for the Private Terms Stakes

A total of eight sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Laurel Park main surface in Saturday’s $100,000 Private Terms S. The well-matched cast lacks a standout and looks like a good betting option on the card. 

Private Terms Wagers

• $5 exacta key box 4 with 5,8 ($20)
• $1 trifecta 4 with 5,8 with all ($12)
• $1 trifecta box 4,5,8 ($12)

#4 Global Steve, one of two in the field for conditioner Butch Reid, was impressive in posting a pair of wins to begin his career prior to finishing off the board in a subpar try in the Withers S. at Aqueduct last time out. By Bucchero, the $60,000 juvenile purchase faces a more manageable cast on Saturday and will also be equipped with blinkers for the initial time. The chestnut had displayed a fine turn of foot in his first two endeavors at seven panels, and he has fired a pair of bullet morning moves in succession in preparation for this tilt, as well. If the equipment change aids the colt, which it appears that it has, then he will be in the mix late under Mychel Sanchez. 

The pace of the Private Terms will be healthy at the very least, and that could play into the hands of the vastly improved #8 Pay Billy. Trained by Michael Gorham, the son of Improbable has morphed into a new animal since the winter and comes off a game runner-up finish in the Miracle Wood S. on the strip most recently. The Kentucky-bred bay has flashed good early foot as of late, but he doesn’t need the lead to run well, and I expect him to receive a favorable voyage just off the early tempo while in the clear throughout. The $60,000 two-year-old purchase will have Raul Mena in the stirrups. 

#5 Tony Eclipse stopped early in the Spectacular Bid S. on the grounds in his latest showing, but the Brittany Russell trainee was going well prior to that and he gets a pass for that performance. The chestnut son of Not This Time was a powerful stakes victor on the strip two back and wouldn’t be a total surprise with Sheldon Russell in the irons.