How to bet the Mr. Prospector Stakes

A fantastic field of 12 will go postward in Saturday’s $100,000 Mr. Prospector (G3).

Mr. Prospector Analysis

The early pace of the race will come from #2 Cool Arrow, #3 Wind of Change and #11 Zenden, who will ensure that there is a strong early tempo. I think that if Cool Arrow, who is a four-time winner on the surface and bagged the Smile Sprint (G3) here two back, can negotiate a sensible trip from the post, then he will be a major player inside the final furlong of the Mr. Prospector.

Defending champ #7 Diamond Oops will be tracking the pace from the second flight and figures to get first run on the deep closers for conditioner Patrick Biancone. Sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) last time out, the 5-year-old gelding sports a fine 8-5-1-0 mark on the Gulfstream strip and rates a big chance with his top performance.

#8 Sleepy Eyes Todd impressively went last-to-first in the Lafayette S. on the Breeders’ Cup undercard at Keeneland most recently, but the Silva pupil has excellent gate speed and should be closer early on. Paddy O’Prado colt has never been better and is a prime top-three threat during his superb form cycle.

BC Sprint (G1) third #9 Firenze Fire is another logical contender while making his debut on the surface. Breen trainee is among the top one-turn horses in training, and a positive result from the 5-year-old would be of no surprise.

Of the deep closers, I am expecting a huge performance from #4 Haikal. Daaher colt makes his first attempt since arriving in the Pletcher barn, and while his running style is not ideal for the Gulfstream dirt, he has a world of ability and has been training in fine fashion as of late, as well. Shadwell homebred will be moving best of all in the late stages under Saez. He is my tepid top pick.

Mr. Prospector Wagers

• $2 Exacta Box: 2,4,7,8,9 ($40)
• $1 Trifecta Key: 4 with 2,7,8,9 ($12)
• $1 Trifecta: 2,7,8,9 with 4 with 2,7,8,9 ($12)