How to Bet the 2019 Summer Stakes

A strong field of 11 juveniles will travel one-mile on the Woodbine turf in Sunday’s $250,000 Summer Stakes (G1). The co-feature on the card serves as a “Win & You’re In” event to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) on November 1 at Santa Anita.

ANALYSIS

Keep on Truckin (#5) (4-1) has never been headed from a pair of sprint races and will be the pacesetter in the field. Mystic Lancelot (#6) (3-1) was forwardly placed in a turf dash on debut and figures to track that one from the start with Pleasecallmeback (#4) (10-1), who adds blinkers for Roger Attfield.

The early tempo will be a sensible one and I think that the late runners will have too much to do inside the final furlong.

WAGERS

$10 Win #6 Mystic Lancelot = $10
$1 Trifecta 6 with 2,4 with all = $18
$1 Trifecta 6 with all with 2,4 = $18

Here is the field:

VITALOGY (#1) (8-1) – Twice-raced import by smart young sire No Nay Never was an upset winner at first asking prior to a fourth-place finish in the Acomb Stakes (G3) at York. Joseph O’Brien pupil draws inside and wouldn’t be a surprise with a step forward in his North American debut. Jamie Spencer has the call.

DECORATED INVADER (#2) (9-2) – Smart juvenile caught the eye with a dominant maiden win at The Spa in his second lifetime performance. Christophe Clement pupil zipped a bullet half-mile on the lawn most recently and rates a big chance with further improvement today.

PROVEN STRATEGIES (#3) (6-1) – Mark Casse trainee will try to break his maiden in a demanding spot. Skidmore Stakes runner-up was unplaced in a lone route run on the lawn to date and needs a big step forward to challenge this cast.

PLEASECALLMEBACK (#4) (10-1) – Well-bred gelding was sharp in a debut romp and checked in a clear second in the Soaring Free Stakes on this lawn most recently. Son of Hard Spun adds blinkers today and is bred to handle the distance with ease. Patrick Husbands will ride the contender.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN (#5) (4-1) – Wildcard from the Catherine Day Phillips barn has run a pair of fields off their respective feet on the Tapeta in advance of his turf bow. Talented gelding is a mystery going long and on the green, but he must be respected for a high-percentage conditioner.

MYSTIC LANCELOT (#6) (3-1) – Todd Pletcher trainee was ultra-impressive in a debut score at Saratoga and could be the real deal. Into Mischief colt shows a pair of solid morning drills in the interim, and getting John Velazquez to retain the mount is a major positive. Kentucky-bred will be forwardly placed throughout.

ZOOLOGICAL (#7) (20-1) – Recent maiden winner on the course has been consistent, but he will need a huge move forward to contend with a fine cast in this spot. The longshot will stalk the pace early on.

CUCINA (#8) (15-1) – Soaring Free Stakes third has yet to prove that he is of this quality in preparation of his route debut. Northern Afleet colt could challenge for the gimmicks at a price, however, if he thrives with the added ground under Gary Boulanger.

SECRET STASH (#9) (12-1) – Intriguing import is cross-entered in the Natalma Stakes (G1) later in the card, but she would be a fascinating contender if she opts for this assignment instead. Mark Casse charge has been flattered when the filly she toppled last time came back to win a pair of races in succession. Flavien Prat will take the reins.

TALKING (#10) (12-1) – Union Rags gelding was a facile winner at first asking on the Delaware Park turf for Jonathan Thomas. Bay didn’t earn a big BRIS Speed number for his work, but we love the aggressive move from a well-respected barn. Javier Castellano riding adds to the appeal.

CADET CONNELLY (#11) (20-1) – Stakes-placed gelding is winless on the green and draws widest in a talented field. Grey Swallow juvenile will need a lifetime best to make the frame today.

PHOTO: Mystic Lancelot (c) Adam Coglianese Photography