How to bet the 2022 Baltimore/Washington International Turf Cup Stakes

A very good field of seven will travel one mile on the Pimlico lawn in Saturday’s $200,000 Baltimore/Washington International Turf Cup S. (G3). Dual Grade 2 winner #1 Public Sector (5-2) has yet to regain the form that he displayed during his fine three-year-old campaign, but the son of Kingman has been facing some very tough foes this season and should appreciate the measure of class relief on Saturday.

Trained by Chad Brown, the four-year-old colt has improved in his last pair of assignments and shows a five-furlong bullet drill on the turf in preparation of this contest, as well. The Klaravich color bearer has some tactical speed combined with a nice draw on the fence, so I expect him to get first run turning for home ahead of the deep closing types. Junior Alvarado comes in to ride.

Juddmonte homebred #6 Set Piece (2-1) is the one to beat for conditioner Brad Cox. The stout late runner didn’t handle the "good" going at Churchill Downs in his latest offering, but he always packs a big late kick, evidenced by his fine tally in the Dinner Party S. (G2) on the surface on Preakness Day. The Dansili six-year-old could be a bit compromised by the potential of a slow early pace, however, and he might be worth trying to beat at expected short odds in the tilt. Sheldon Russell will take the reins.

Defending champ #4 Field Pass (8-1) tired quickly in the Arlington Million S. (G1) most recently for conditioner Mike Maker, but he is 1-for-1 on the surface and has the right running style to be a major factor from the opening bell. The gray son of Lemon Drop Kid is a two-time winner at the distance and appears to be training well as of late for a top conditioner in the turf stakes ranks. The Maryland-bred will likely track the pace from second in the early going with Dylan Davis accepting the mount.

Group 2 victor #2 Pao Alto (7-2) could be any kind in his U. S. debut for Graham Motion. The Intello gelding has obvious class to him and is also 3-for-6 at one mile. Jevian Toledo will be in the stirrups atop the French import.

International Turf Cup Wagers

• $20 win: #1 Public Sector ($20)
• $3 exacta key box: 1 with 2,4,6 ($18)
• $2 trifecta key: 1 with 2,4,6 ($12)
• $.50-cent superfecta: 1,6 with 1,6 with 2,4 with all ($8)