How to bet the Summer Stakes

A field of seven juveniles will travel a mile at Woodbine on Sunday in the $250,000 Summer (G1). The “Win and You’re In” challenge series event will reward the first-place finisher with a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).

Summer analysis

#3 Ready to Repeat is the pace of the race, but he will not get far away from the pressers in the early stages. #2 Secret Potion, #4 Gretzky the Great, and #6 Heat of the Night will track with intent from the start.

Summer Contenders

#1 DOWNLOAD -- Dark bay showed huge improvement on the surface change last time out when defeating special weight foes on the turf course. Expensive yearling purchase has room to move forward in his second grassy endeavor, though he will need better to challenge this cast inside the final furlong. Fukimoto inherits the mount.

#2 SECRET POTION -- $475,000 son of Into Mischief was a stubborn runner-up on the Saratoga lawn on debut and will get Lasix for Chad Brown. February foal shows four solid morning drills in the interim, and he figures to improve second time out. Hernandez rides the win contender.

#3 READY TO REPEAT -- More Than Ready gelding has run quite well in four consecutive races to start his career for Gail Cox. Stakes winner was a clear third in the recent Soaring Free S. on the course most recently, and if he can stay the trip, the gelding looms large with his top effort. Regular pilot Contreras will be in the silks.

#4 GRETZKY THE GREAT -- Top selection impressed with a game Soaring Free tally, running down a clear leader in his latest assignment for Casse. Talented colt from the first crop of Nyquist has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in every lifetime outing, and I think that he will love the added ground on Sunday. Kimura retains the ride atop the pick.

#5 AMERICAN MONARCH -- Bay son of American Pharoah defeated what appeared to be a fine field of prospects at first asking at Saratoga for Mott. Kentucky-bred colt showed tactical speed and a nice turn of foot on debut, and he could surely be the one with improvement under the guidance of Justin Stein.

#6 HEAT OF THE NIGHT -- Summer Front gelding was a stubborn winner in his debut at Gulfstream Park when wearing down a leader in the stretch. The bay faces much better in the Summer, however, and I will let him beat me on this occasion.

#7 DOLDER GRAND -- Maiden finished a solid third on the course facing special weight on debut for Casse. The $800,000 2-year-old purchase draws well outside of the field, and his pair of morning drills following the debut effort have been strong. Patrick Husbands will ride the interesting stalker.

Summer Wagers

• $20 Win and Place: #4 Gretzky the Great ($40)
• $5 Exacta Box: 4-7 ($10)