How to bet the 2022 Maxfield Stakes

Six sophomores will run seven panels on the Churchill Downs dirt in Sunday’s $160,000 Maxfield S. The race lacks an abundance of early speed, which should allow Steve Asmussen’s #3 Gunite (1-1) to control things from the opening bell.

By Gun Runner, the Winchell homebred had a very successful two-year-old season that was highlighted by a smashing 5 3/4-length win in the Hopeful S. (G1) in September. The dark bay colt commenced his 2022 season with a smart allowance second behind a fine winner, where he earned a lifetime-best 98 Brisnet Speed figure in the process. Kentucky-bred has posted a trio of solid morning drills in the interim, and he will be the one to catch with Tyler Gaffalione in the irons.

I don’t think that Gunite is a cinch, however, as a pair of his foes interest me, too. The Todd Pletcher-trained #2 My Prankster (8-5) had the misfortune of running into the sensational Jack Christopher in his latest assignment and will appreciate avoiding that beast on this occasion. The $600,000 yearling purchase ran a clear third in that tilt while just missing the place spot, and he comes in fresh for his second try beneath the Twin Spires on Sunday. Rafael Bejarano picks up the mount.

The lightly-raced #4 Overtaxed (12-1) was ultra-impressive when rallying from well back to win in going-away fashion in a local allowance try for Moquett. Fed Biz gelding could be a really dangerous foe if he moves forward even a little off of that performance. While the pace of the race doesn’t look to be advantageous to him, I thought that the chestnut was awesome most recently, and he might appreciate the move to seven-eighths. He is worth a play if the odds are good, which is expected. Florent Geroux taking the reins adds to his appeal.

Maxfield Wagers

• $10 exacta 3 with 2,4 ($20)
• $3 exacta box 2,3,4 ($18)
• $2 trifecta box 2,3,4 ($12)