How to bet the 2023 Sanford Stakes

A total of 10 juveniles will dash six furlongs on the Saratoga dirt in Saturday’s $175,000 Sanford S. (G3). Steve Asmussen’s #9 Gold Sweep is the one to beat and deservedly so, as the colt comes off of a decisive nine-length waltz in the Tremont S. at Belmont Park most recently. A fine runner-up on debut at Churchill Downs, the Speightstown colt looked special in his stakes triumph last time out, and the hefty 97 Brisnet Speed figure that he earned validates my thinking.

The Kentucky bred has proven to be capable of rallying from off of the early tempo, which is a fine trait for a youngster, and the $285,000 yearling looks to be training in very good fashion in advance of his graded bow, as well. Jose Ortiz retains the mount aboard the imposing two-year-old.

#10 Market Street led in gate-to-wire fashion over a sloppy, sealed surface at Ellis Park at first asking and could be any kind for conditioner D. Wayne Lukas. The $275,000 yearling purchase was not especially impressive from a visual standpoint late in his debut score, but horses from this barn often improve with a race under their belts, and I envision this one moving forward second time out.

By Street Sense, the bay colt is bred to handle some distance so the move to three-quarters of a mile will likely benefit the April foal, as will drawing widest of the field to avoid traffic. Tyler Gaffalione will have the contender forwardly placed from the break.

#3 Dickens earned a strong 86 Speed number in his debut tally at Gulfstream Park and will add speed to the field while drawing two paths off the rail. This Juan Alvarado pupil gives the impression of a fine sprint prospect, and with a clean break, the son of Adios Charlie will be dangerous from the start. Edgard Zayas comes in to retain the ride.

I’m not sure what #8 His Rights defeated in his first offering at Parx, but the Rafael Romero trainee passed a lot of runners in the stretch to get up late in smart fashion while going 4 1/2 furlongs, and the move to six panels seems like a positive move for the son of Constitution. Javier Castellano picks up the assignment atop the chestnut.

Sanford Wagers

$20 exacta: 9 with 10 ($20)

$6 exacta: 9 with 3,8 ($12)

$2 trifecta: key 9 with 3,8,10 ($12)