How to bet the 2021 United Nations Stakes

A field of 10 turf stayers will travel 1 3/8 miles on the Monmouth Park lawn in Saturday’s lucrative $500,000 United Nations S. (G1). The well-matched cast features three from the barn of turf ace Chad Brown, as well as other top win threats, in what appears to be a very good betting opportunity. I will focus on a pair of Brown trainees in the top spot of my vertical wagers.

#10 Tribhuvan was thought of as a probable rabbit in the recent Manhattan S. (G1) on the Belmont Stakes undercard, but his strong performance validated that he belongs in the upper echelon of grassy performers. After establishing rapid splits in the 1 1/4-mile outing at Belmont Park, the gelded son of Tornado stayed on especially well to be second behind the exquisite Domestic Spending.

Drawing widest in the field is a slight concern, but with a long run into the first turn of the 11-furlong test, I have confidence the French-bred five-year-old will be able to secure a favorable position a few jumps out of the gate. He has won from off the pace in the past, as well, which is a credit to his versatility. Flavien Prat rides.

My gut feeling suggests #3 Serve the King will run a huge one in his first at this extended distance. Second in the 2020 Monmouth S. (G3) at nine furlongs, the son of Kingman has raced just once since, finishing a non-threatening fourth in the same race this campaign. However, the bay five-year-old used the contest as a prep for Saturday, and I expect the British-bred to show marked improvement at a fine price in the United Nations. Top local pilot Paco Lopez takes the reins.

Grade 1 star #1 Arklow is too talented and consistent to leave off of my tickets. The Brad Cox trainee has won 3-of-4 dating back to September, including a stout score in the Louisville S. (G3) to commence his seven-year-old season. The son of Arch came home fourth in this event while favored in 2020, but he figures to improve off of that result on Saturday. Florent Geroux will have the Kentucky-bred saving ground throughout.

I respect other contenders in the field, but will focus on the aforementioned trio in my plays.

United Nations Wagers

• $.50-cent superfecta: 3,10 with 1,3,10 with 1,3,5,8,10 with all ($42)
• $.50-cent trifecta: 3,10 with 1 with all ($8)
• $.50-cent trifecta: 3,10 with all with 1 ($8)