How to bet the 2021 Man o' War Stakes

A field of eight turf specialists will travel 1 3/8 miles over the Belmont inner lawn in Saturday’s lucrative $700,000 Man o’ War S. (G1). A deep cast of accomplished performers will go postward, led by the return of Belmont Derby (G1) winner #8 Gufo. Trained by Christophe Clement, the excellent son of Declaration of War had a superb three-year-old season with a trio of stakes tallies and two more placings, including a near-miss in the Hollywood Derby (G1) in his seasonal finale.

The chestnut has won or placed in each of his eight career assignments to date, and the four-year-old colt has fired a pair of recent bullets in the mornings to ready for his return. Gufo draws well on the outside of the field to avoid traffic and seems poised for a big try off the layoff. The decision to point for this race by Clement to start the season gives me a lot of confidence that he will fire his best shot. Joel Rosario has the call.

Group 2 winner #3 Ziyad has put in a pair of fine performances since arriving in the Motion barn and rates a big chance in his seasonal bow. The gelded son of Rock of Gibraltar led late in the Red Smith (G3) before finishing third in his final race of 2020, and he goes out for a top layoff outfit, as well. The six-year-old has a bit of tactical speed and can sit a sensible trip to be in prime range approaching the turn for home. Manny Franco will be in the controls.

2019 Irish Derby (G1) upsetter #1 Sovereign is the wildcard in the contest while making his debut for conditioner Chad Brown. By Galileo, the five-year-old is winless since his stunning victory at the Curragh, but he has kept top company since and will be tough if he runs his best in his initial stateside engagement. The chestnut has displayed fine early foot in the past and figures to be forwardly placed from the rail under the guidance of top turf pilot Irad.

Man o’ War Wagers

• $3 trifecta 8 with 1,3 with all ($36)
• $1 superfecta 8 with 1,3 with 1,3 with all ($10)