How to bet the Eatontown Stakes

The first of a trio of graded stakes races to be held at Monmouth Park on Saturday is the $150,000 Eatontown S. (G3). A strong field of 10 fillies and mares will run 1 1/16 miles on the lawn in the affair, and at least five serious contenders will go postward in the deep event. 

Eatontown Wagers

$2 trifecta key 6 with 1,7,8,9 ($24)

50-cent superfecta 6 with 1,8 with 1,7,8,9 with all ($21)

#6 Spirit and Glory might offer good value in the test and gets the slight nod from me for conditioner Robert Falcone, Jr. The five-year-old had a solid 2023, led by a victory in the local Miss Liberty S. as well as a close second in the Yellow Ribbon (G2) when she shipped to Del Mar for her seasonal finale. 

By Cotai Glory, the Irish-bred commenced her campaign with a stakes victory at Fair Grounds, she dominated the Plenty of Grace S. at Aqueduct two back, and the mare was last seen finishing a fantastic third in the Beaugay (G3) at Aqueduct behind New York S. (G1) second Neecie Marie and Just A Game S. (G1) runner-up Whitebeam. 

She was an even fifth in this contest in 2023 but faced a strong group on that day, and I can argue that she is a much better animal leading up to Saturday. The bay can win from off the pace or while forcing the issue from the break, and she is also proven to be capable over firm, good, and soft turf, as well. Local riding legend Joe Bravo will be in the stirrups. 

#8 Ocean Club earned her second lifetime stakes triumph in the Monroe S. at Gulfstream Park most recently and could improve in this spot for Jack Sisterson. This talented daughter of Curlin has been consistently good in her lifetime, and her lone graded effort on the lawn resulted in a second-place result behind the superb Anisette in the San Clemente (G2) at Del Mar in July. The Glen Hill Farm homebred has good early presence, which is often a major weapon in turf events at this venue, as well. Feargal Lynch will be in the irons. 

Grade-1 placed stakes victress #1 Sacred Wish has done well since transitioning to the lawn for George Weaver. Not This Time four-year-old blitzed allowance foes at Aqueduct in her second run of 2024 last time out, and she will sit a fine voyage tucked in behind the pace to the top of the lane on Saturday under Carmouche. 

The Chad Brown duo of the four-time stakes placed #7 Tax Implications, and sharp recent allowance queen #9 Maman Joon, will be included in the vertical exotics.