How to bet the Amsterdam Stakes

A compact field of 3-year-olds will travel 6 panels in Saturday’s $150,000 Amsterdam (G2) at Saratoga.

Amsterdam Analysis

#3 Long Weekend is the speed of  the speed, but #2 Yaupon, #4 Premier Star and #5 Wondrwherecraigis will also be in full flight in the early stages. The early pace could be rapid.

Amsterdam Contenders

#1 BASIN -- Top selection makes his first run since being transferred to the Pletcher barn. 2019 Hopeful (G1) winner returns to his favorite course and the cut back in distance will aid the sophomore. Bay shows four solid drills at the locale, and he figures to get a nice trip from off the pace under Jose Ortiz.

#2 YAUPON -- Asmussen trainee is 2-for-2 lifetime including a sharp allowance victory on the oval most recently. Uncle Mo colt could be good enough, but he faces a tough field and will also endure pace pressure throughout on Saturday. Joel Rosario has the assignment.

#3 LONG WEEKEND -- Fleet Amoss trainee is the likely one to catch and beat with his best performance in the Amsterdam. Kentucky-bred is a dual stakes winner this campaign, which includes a tally over subsequent Grade 1 winner Echo Town, and he shows fast morning drills in preparation of his second local outing. Luis Saez inherits the mount.

#4 PREMIER STAR -- Trombetta trainee comes into this off a fine allowance tally at Laurel when leading throughout. Chestnut son of Tapiture lands outside of the major speed in the cast, but he must prove capable of rating to find himself in the hunt inside the final furlong. Irad taking the reins is always a positive.

#5 WONDRWHERECRAIGIS -- Munnings gelding is a head shy of being perfect from a trio of assignments for Russell. Dark bay possesses a strong turn of foot to this point of his career, and I envision him rallying for a minor share at a price beneath Castellano.

#6 LIAM’S PRIDE -- Gold Fever S. victor was no match in the Allen Jerkens (G1) on the surface and removes blinkers for this run. O’Neill pupil is capable on his best day, but his lack of consistency makes it hard to back him with confidence. Dylan Davis will be in the stirrups atop the late runner.

Amsterdam Wagers

• $30 Win: #1 Basin ($30)
• $5 Exacta: 1 with 3,5 ($10)