How to bet the 2021 William Walker Stakes

An overflow field 12 of is entered for the opening day feature at Churchill Downs, the $150,000 William Walker S. The 5 1/2-furlong grassy dash for three-year-olds has attracted a talented cast in what appears to be a fine betting opportunity.

William Walker Analysis

There will be some pace in the heat, but many in the cast have proven to be capable of running from off the lead, as well.

#1 Roderick will be sent from the rail, and #3 Field Pass and two-time stakes winner #7 Bodenheimer should be joining him on the front end. The latter is three-for-three when establishing the lead at the first call, and the all-or-nothing son of Atta Boy Roy should be set to fire second time off the shelf. Bodenheimer is the wildcard that makes the race even more difficult to break down.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) runner-up #8 Cowan is the class of the field for Asmussen. The chestnut son of Kantharos was beaten by 4 3/4 lengths when facing his elders in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) at Meydan most recently, and he rates a huge chance if ready on the return to the states. But, I would not settle for a short price on the much traveled sophomore.

I am going to side with #6 Rockstar Ro for the upset for conditioner Brian Lynch. Bred in Kentucky, the recently gelded son of Gemologist has been consistent on the green in his career with a 5-1-1-3 mark, including a better than it looked third in a Gulfstream turf sprint last time out. I expect the tactical sort to sit a trip tucked in behind the early pace and to get first run on the deep closing types turning for home. He could be of very good value with Corey Lanerie in the stirrups.

In addition to the aforementioned runners, talented late runner #4 Kasim makes a lot of sense for the exotics. The Maker pupil always fires in the stretch, and the former claimer was a troubled second in the Texas Glitter S. most recently. Munnings colt will be flying inside the final furlong beneath Corrales.

William Walker Wagers

• $.50-cent superfecta key: 6 with 1,3,4,7,8 ($30)
• $.50-cent trifecta 1,3,4,7,8 with 6 with 1,3,4,7,8 ($10)
• $3 exacta box: 6-7 ($6)