How to bet the 2022 Sapling Stakes

Eight well-meant juveniles will travel one-mile on the Monmouth Park main surface in Saturday’s $200,000 Sapling S. The competitive feature presents seven last-out winners in an event that looks to be a solid betting opportunity.

#1 Bourbon Spirit (6-1) was a much-the-best winner in a maiden special weight event at Ellis Park on July 16, and I will give the second timer the slight edge in the field. By Liam’s Map, the $200,000 yearling purchase was well backed as a short-priced favorite in his unveiling and delivered, powering clear late over a muddy, sealed strip despite a mid-race check.

Bourbon Spirit looks to be right on schedule with four morning moves since that performance, and the rail post will be advantageous for him as well. He gets the nod in his first with Lasix with Jairo Rendon in the stirrups.

Conditioner Todd Pletcher has a formidable duo in the cast that I am having a hard time separating, so each will be included in my wagers with the top selection. #2 Lost Ark (2-1), a $275,000 yearling purchase, went off at 7-10 odds at Belmont Park in his debut and rolled home to a facile, 5 1/2-length tally. The son of Violence displayed big early speed on that occasion and could be sent to the front early with Javier Castellano on board atop the one to beat.

Pletcher’s #7 Major Dude (4-1) won at first call at Monmouth on June 18, which preceded a sixth-place result in the subsequent Sanford S. (G3) last time out. The expensive son of Bolt d’Oro gives me the impression of a horse who will improve with the added distance, and I also like that he has trained solely at this venue since July 1.

If he can avoid being caught wide in the early stages of the race, the $550,000 yearling buy will be formidable in the stretch. Paco Lopez will guide Major Dude.

Sapling Wagers

• $2 trifecta: 1 with 2, 7 with all ($24)
• $1 trifecta: 1 with all with 2, 7 ($12)
• $1 trifecta: 2, 7 with 1 with all ($12)
• 20-cent superfecta: 1, 2, 7 with 1, 2, 7 with 1, 2, 7 with all ($6)