How to Bet the 2019 Sapling Stakes

Eight juveniles will travel one-mile on the Monmouth Park main surface in Sunday’s $100,000 Sapling Stakes. The cast boasts a few impressive maiden winners in what looks like an intriguing betting event. ANALYSIS The unbeaten Liberate (#2) (2-1) has yet to be headed and will be the leader going into the first turn. Super John (#4) (7-2) figures to keep that one in close range throughout, and I think Shield of Faith (#3) (8-1) and Big City Bob (#8) (5-1) will also show pace on the stretch-out in trip. Skyscanner (#1) (12-1) and Mischievous Alex (#6) (4-1) will track from off the early tempo and will benefit most if the top quartet hit a wall in the stretch. WAGERS $10 Win and Place #8 Big City Bob = $20 $5 Exacta 8 with 1,2,4 = $15 Here is the field: SKYSCANNER (#1) (12-1) – Bernardini colt impressed on debut with a win from off the pace at Laurel Park. Jeremiah O’Dwyer trainee should love the added distance in this spot and is well drawn on the rail. February foal could sit a great trip while saving ground along the fence. LIBERATE (#2) (2-1) – Ohio-bred has run three fields off of their respective feet to begin his career. Fleet son of Gemologist could be the real deal and will be the one to catch and beat in his first stakes try with open company. Paco Lopez inherits the mount. SHIELD OF FAITH (#3) (8-1) – Monmouth-based gelding was a stakes third on the green most recently for trainer Glenn Thompson. King Puma chestnut ran two big ones on the dirt surface and could contend if he proves capable at two turns. The April foal will be forwardly placed some in the early stages. SUPER JOHN (#4) (7-2) – Super Saver colt ran off to an impressive 19-length maiden win in his second lifetime performance. John Servis trainee is the lone runner in the cast with experience going long, and he adds blinkers after running erratically in his daylight maiden victory. $180,000 juvenile purchase might be an excellent long-term prospect with continued improvement. Joe Bravo will be in the stirrups. GANGLY (#5) (6-1) – Gulfstream Park graduate responded to the addition of blinkers with a win over a sloppy, sealed oval in Florida. Bay son of Khozan exits a live heat but is another who is a question mark going a route of ground. MISCHEVIOUS ALICE (#6) (4-1) – Capable son of red-hot sire Into Mischief has done little wrong from a pair of solid performances to date. The second John Servis pupil in the field will need to take a step forward in his route debut, however. JACK THE UMPIRE (#7) (10-1) – Bodemeister colt ran off to a dominant debut tally at Delaware Park and adds Lasix for this assignment. Interesting Kentucky-bred is cut out to love the distance and has trained well in preparation of his stakes bow. Alex Cintron comes along to retain the mount. BIG CITY BOB (#8) (5-1) – Dangerous contender has been well-backed in each lifetime run to date, and he made good in his Monmouth Park debut with a professional sprint score. $140,000 son of Shanghai Bobby came home swiftly last out and gives the impression of a colt who will thrive with more ground to work with. Chris DeCarlo will guide the Kentucky-bred. PHOTO: Liberate (c) JJ Zamaiko