How to bet the 2024 Sycamore Stakes

A talented field of 11 turf stayers will travel 1 1/2 miles on the Keeneland green in Friday’s feature, the $300,000 Sycamore S. (G3). The two morning-line choices drew to the outside of the field, which is a concern, so I will try to upend that duo and find a good amount of value in the especially competitive contest. 

Sycamore Wagers

• $12 win and place #1 Verstappen ($24)
• 50-cent trifecta 1 with 3,10,11 with all ($13.50)
• 50-cent trifecta 3,10,11 with 1 with all ($13.50)

The Brendan Walsh-trained #1 Verstappen (10-1) figures to get overlooked by many, and I feel that the son of War Front will be a major contender from the rail. A winner of the 2023 Elkhorn S. (G2) on this course in his latest local assignment, the five-year-old gelding has been unraced since March but is working well in advance of Friday, which includes a solid gate drill at Turfway Park in his latest morning spin. 

Verstappen is a veteran at extended trips on the sod and is often well placed, in the hunt, and in the latter stages of his races at this level. I think that the bay will receive an ideal ground saving trip just behind the leaders to the top of the lane under Declan Cannon. 

#3 Highway Robber (9-2) has earned his two highest Brisnet Speed figures since stretching out on the grass in his last pair of outings for conditioner Brian Lynch. The chestnut was a smart stakes victor at Ellis Park two back, which preceded an excellent runner-up try in the lucrative Turf Cup S. (G2) at Kentucky Downs in his latest offering. I feel that the Hard Spun gelding has found his niche, and he can’t be dismissed with the positive rider change to Tyler Gaffalione on this occasion. 

The Brendan Walsh-trained #1 Verstappen (10-1) figures to get overlooked by many, and I feel that the son of War Front will be a major contender from the rail. A winner of the 2023 Elkhorn S. (G2) on this course in his latest local assignment, the five-year-old gelding has been unraced since March but is working well in advance of Friday, which includes a solid gate drill at Turfway Park in his latest morning spin. 

Verstappen is a veteran at extended trips on the sod and is often well placed, in the hunt, and in the latter stages of his races at this level. I think that the bay will receive an ideal ground saving trip just behind the leaders to the top of the lane under Declan Cannon. 

#3 Highway Robber (9-2) has earned his two highest Brisnet Speed figures since stretching out on the grass in his last pair of outings for conditioner Brian Lynch. The chestnut was a smart stakes victor at Ellis Park two back, which preceded an excellent runner-up try in the lucrative Turf Cup S. (G2) at Kentucky Downs in his latest offering. I feel that the Hard Spun gelding has found his niche, and he can’t be dismissed with the positive rider change to Tyler Gaffalione on this occasion.