How to bet the 2023 Bourbon Stakes

A berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) is on the line in Sunday’s $350,000 Bourbon S. (G2) at Keeneland. The 1 1/16-mile turf test attracted an overflow field of 15 in what appears to be a very appealing betting endeavor to me.

Bourbon Wagers

• $15 win and place: #12 First World War ($30)
• $.50-cent trifecta: 9,12 with 3,8,9,12 with all ($30)

#12 First World War, one of two in the group for conditioner Brendan Walsh, left a fine impression on me with his decisive tally at Kentucky Downs on debut, and I think that the colt might be an exciting prospect going forward. Purchased for $285,000 as a weanling, the son of War Front was two lengths clear at the wire while the runner-up was seven clear of his nearest foe. 

The April foal overcame the rail post at first asking and came home professionally for a conditioner who is often better with experienced runners. The dark bay two-year-old will have to move forward to overcome both this solid cast, and the wide post draw, but I like his chances to perform well with Tyler Gaffalione returning to the silks. 

#9 Coin Miner has displayed a pair of good closing runs in turf sprints to begin his career and could be any kind stretching out in distance in this spot. Trained by Keith Desormeaux, the son of Cloud Computing is bred to run long, and the January foal was flattered when the horse he defeated last time came back to romp in the $500,000 Juvenile S. at Kentucky Downs in his next appearance. James Graham will guide the contender. 

Graham Motion’s #8 Tok Tok moved his mark to 2-for-2 following a solid score in the Kitten’s Joy S. at Colonial Downs in his latest outing. The well-bred son of Quality Road might not have defeated the deepest field of all time most recently, but he did rally steadily into a slow pace while getting away late, and this barn always has them ready for Keeneland, as well. The March foal will be under the guidance of John Velazquez. 

And I will also give a chance to #3 Depiction under Cristian Torres. The Cherie DeVaux pupil was a closing fourth on debut despite an awful start, and he showed vast improvement in his second try when defeating maidens by 5 1/2 lengths at Ellis Park on Aug. 27. The More Than Ready colt rates an exotics chance with any kind of improvement on Sunday.