How to bet the Commonwealth Turf Stakes

A total of 16 runners, with two on the also-eligibles list, has been entered to contest the $175,000 Commonwealth Turf S. (G3) at Churchill Downs on Saturday. The 1 1/16-miles turf test for sophomores looks to be among the most wide-open races of the weekend with contenders throughout the field.

Commonwealth Turf Analysis

The early pace in the Commonwealth will be fast and contested. #2 Osage Moon (12-1) has led throughout in two straight and will be sent from his inner post, as will #4 Pirate’s Punch (20-1), #6 Spectacular Gem (6-1) and #9 Knicks Go (12-1).

#3 Clint Maroon (10-1), #5 Marquee Prince (8-1) and #8 Tiz Plus (15-1), also possess smart early presence and will be in the next flight.

Commonwealth Turf Wagers:

• $10 Win and Place #8 Tiz Plus = $20
• $3 Exacta Key Box 8 with 5,7,13 = $18

Here is the Commonwealth Turf Stakes field:

#1 TOBACCO ROAD (50-1) — John Ennis trainee is winless on the grass and didn’t show much in a recent Keeneland allowance tilt. Quality Road colt would be a surprise from the rail under Alex Achard.

#2 OSAGE MOON (12-1) — Improving son of Malibu Moon out of Broodmare of the Year Oatsee has won two straight on the grass at Woodbine in wire-to-wire fashion . Mark Casse charge makes his stakes bow in fine form, and he could factor late with a sensible trip under Miguel Mena.

#3 CLINT MAROON (10-1) — Stakes winner has run evenly in a pair of solid stakes tries in succession for Wayne Catalano. Oasis Dream gelding will be in the hunt late with a top showing beneath Channing Hill.

#4 PIRATE’S PUNCH (20-1) — Shanghai Bobby gelding is in the best form of his life in anticipation of his turf debut. Speedy sort was a game runner-up in the allowance ranks at Keeneland most recently, and the Super Derby (G3) third could be any kind on the green with Robby Albarado in the stirrups.

#5 MARQUEE PRINCE (8-1) — Brad Cox pupil came off the shelf with an allowance tally on the lawn at Indiana Grand last time out. Cairo Prince colt is a stakes winner on the turf, and he romped by 12 lengths in his latest appearance beneath the Twin Spires. Tyler Gaffalione will pilot the win threat.

#6 SPECTACULAR GEM (6-1) — Jefferson Cup S. upsetter has crossed the wire in first or second in each of his quartet of lifetime races on the sod. James Baker trainee will be dangerous if able to clear the cast early on. James Graham will be in the silks.

#7 TRACKSMITH (5-1) — Consistently good colt from the barn of Joe Sharp rallied to be second in the Jefferson Cup on the course most recently. Street Sense colt owns a strong turn of foot, and he shows a win and a second from two local assignments. Brian Hernandez Jr. will guide the potential one to beat.

#8 TIZ PLUS (15-1) — Sneaky contender got the better of a tough older horse at Remington Park most recently and has since been transferred to Steve Asmussen. Peaking Tizway colt aims for his second stakes triumph in his debut at Churchill Downs. Go-to pilot Ricardo Santana takes the reins.

#9 KNICKS GO (12-1) — Grade 1 hero is winless since his biggest score to date and owns just two seconds from seven outings in 2019. Paynter colt tries the lawn for the initial time, and the speedy sort will be among the early leaders on Saturday.

#10 ARMISTICE DAY (6-1) — Canadian invader has never been better for Barbara Minshall and exits a big second in the Ontario Derby (G3) on the Tapeta at Woodbine. The Toronto Cup star ran evenly in a prior showing at Churchill Downs and shows a bullet morning move in his latest breeze. Leading rider Corey Lanerie has the assignment.

#11 MR DUMAS (6-1) — Majesticperfection colt was visually impressive in a going-away allowance win on this turf last time out. John Ortiz trainee has never run a poor race and has appeal at a fair number under Joe Rocco.

#12 LOUDER THAN BOMBS (8-1) — David Fawkes pupil led at every call to upset allowance runners at Keeneland in preparation of his return to the stakes ranks. Kentucky-bred will need improvement, however, to challenge this field inside the final furlong.

#13 FARAWAY KITTEN (6-1) — Win contender closed to be third in the Jefferson Cup and has won or placed in each of his trio races on the Churchill lawn. Mike Maker charge is a two-time stakes victor in 2019, and he possesses a versatile running style which is vital in a big field. Julien Leparoux will be in the controls.

#14 JOURNEYMAN (20-1) — Well-bred gelding was beaten just 2 ¼ lengths in the lucrative Dueling Grounds Derby in his latest venture. Son of Animal Kingdom is training well as of late, and the sophomore could contend if able to overcome this demanding post position under Declan Cannon. 

#15 PROLIFERATE (15-1) — Casse trainee is a neck shy of being unbeaten from three career tries on grass. Talented colt was sharp at Keeneland last out, but he would need improvement and a good trip to make the frame from this draw.

#16 CLEAR VISION (8-1) — Lightly raced son of Artie Schiller has posted three positive races in succession to begin his career. Jeremiah O’Dwyer-trained colt is a fine prospect who has great value if he draws into the field. The late runnr will receive ample early speed to rally into late.