How to bet the 2023 Private Terms Stakes

A total of eight three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Laurel Park dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Private Terms S. The well-matched features numerous solid contenders in what appears to be a very attractive betting endeavor. I expect the early tempo to be solid and contested, so I will give a slight edge to the runners who will be coming from off the pace in the tilt.

I am willing to give #4 Howgreatisnate another chance for conditioner Andrew Simoff. The gelded son of Speightster won the first four races of his career prior to stumbling and unseating his pilot soon after the break in the Gotham S. (G3) at Aqueduct last time out, but I like that he returns in two weeks to indicate that he was not injured during the mishap.

Prior to his first graded attempt, the $67,000 yearling purchase had won in mostly convincing fashion in each of his lifetime tries in the sprint ranks. With a favorable running style to handle a route of ground, combined with a catalog page that hints that going long will be a benefit, I believe that the move to two turns will be in the wheelhouse of the bay. Regular pilot J. D. Acosta will be in the stirrups.

I am intrigued that #3 Circling the Drain will add blinkers coming off of a nice allowance tally for trainer Brittany Russell. The West Coast gelding has finished first or second in each of his four career tries to date and has also improved his Brisnet Speed number on each occasion. The Sycamore Hall homebred has proven to be capable of winning from on or off the lead, and will enjoy a nice voyage from behind an honest early tempo. Jevian Toledo will be in the silks and getting the win contender accelerating approaching the turn for home.

The David Donk-trained #5 Register earned a hefty 98 Brisnet Speed figure for his game maiden score at Aqueduct most recently and will be an obvious contender against this group with a similar performance. The $170,000 son of Super Saver has been forwardly placed in his last two outings, but I expect him to track the pace from a few lengths off the tempo on Saturday. Jorge Vargas has the call.

Private Terms Wagers

• $15 win and place: #4 Howgreatisnate ($30)
• $1 trifecta: 4 with 3, 5 with all ($12)
• 50-cent trifecta: 4 with all with 3, 5 ($6)
• $1 trifecta: box 3, 4, 5 ($6)