How to bet the 2022 Ashley T. Cole Stakes

A strong field of nine New York-bred runners, two of which are entered for main-track only purposes, go postward in the Ashley T. Cole S. at Aqueduct on Saturday.

I was impressed with the game allowance victory posted by James Ferraro’s #6 Sanctuary City (7-2) at Saratoga last time out and will come right back with the son of Temple City in this competitive spot.

The five-year-old is essentially a one-run closer with a fine turn of foot, and he has posted some solid results while facing some very good horses over the past two campaigns. He lands in a field with a good amount of pace in it, which will aid his chances in late stretch under the guidance of Manny Franco. He sports a 7-2-3-0 mark on the surface and is a top-two must-use, in my opinion.

#5 City Man (7-5) ran third as the 4-5 choice in the field last season and rates an obvious big chance on Saturday with his best performance. Conditioned by Christophe Clement, the Mucho Macho Man five-year-old is two-for-four locally with a second, and his current form is excellent following a Forbidden Apple S. (G3) score and a runner-up finish in the Bernard Baruch H. (G3). The versatile dark bay will track the tempo from the opening bell beneath Trevor McCarthy.

#3 Cold Hard Cash (8-1) has displayed fine form since moving to the lawn for conditioner Linda Rice. The chestnut son of Maclean’s Music cuts back in distance and class following an attempt in the Sword Dancer S. (G1) most recently, and while the gelding does not possess a potent turn of foot, he does have tactical speed and consistency to perform well at nine grassy panels. I like his chances to grab a piece under Eric Cancel.

Grade 2 victor #4 Cross Border (9-2) has been knocking heads with some talented turf performers in his career and makes a lot of sense as an exotics contender with Jose Ortiz in the stirrups. The eight-year-old son of English Channel has hit the board in just one of his last eight tries in advance of Saturday, but he has plenty of back class and has to be included in this spot.

Ashley T. Cole Wagers

• $20 win: #6 Sanctuary City ($20)
• $10 exacta: box 5-6 ($20)
• $5 superfecta: 5, 6 with 5, 6 with 3, 4 with 3, 4 ($20)