How to bet the 2023 Hanshin Stakes

An intriguing handicapping puzzle awaits horseplayers in Sunday’s $275,000 Hanshin S. at Ellis Park. Contested over a one-turn mile, the dirt event has a clear morning-line favorite but gives me the impression of a race that could end in a variety of different ways.

#2 Strava (10-1) might be something of a Churchill Downs specialist, but I like the Dallas Stewart trainee in this spot at a nice price, nonetheless. The four-year-old son of Into Mischief has flashed considerable potential on more than one occasion in his lifetime, and I feel that this is a very good spot for the colt. Purchased for $825,000, the Kentucky-bred has faced off with some excellent performers in his career with mixed results, but he is more than capable on his best day.

The top pick sports a 3-2-1-0 mark at the distance and he is at his best when stalking the pace while in range prior to unleashing his kick in the stretch. Strava will get an ideal setup on this occasion, and his morning-line number makes him especially attractive to me with Brian Hernandez, Jr. taking the reins.

#1 Zozos (9-5) is the deserving favorite for conditioner Brad Cox. The dark bay son of Munnings flashed a lot of ability at three and comes in with a pair of wins in succession, including a game tally in the Knicks Go S. at Churchill Downs most recently. This dark bay Kentucky bred has good early speed and Florent Geroux, and if he breaks well, then the colt could enjoy a perfect trip throughout while always saving ground. Classy sort comes in with five solid morning drills, as well.

I have not given up the idea of two-time Grade 1 victor #9 Santin (5-1) being a good horse on the main oval. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the Godolphin homebred was outrun late after being close in the recent Blame S. (G3) in his first outing on the main oval, but he trains well on it and also has the running style to be a quality performer on dirt as well. The five-year-old son of Distorted Humor will be in the clear every step of the way beneath Tyler Gaffalione.

Hanshin Wagers

$10 win and place: #2 Strava ($20)

$10 exacta box: 1-2 ($20)

$3 trifecta box: 1,2,9 ($18)

$.50-cent trifecta: 1,2 with 1,2,9 with all ($14)