How to bet the United Nations Stakes

Nine turf marathoners will travel 1 3/8 miles on the sod at Monmouth Park in Saturday’s $300,000 United Nations (G1).

United Nations Analysis

#9 Paret has the most natural speed in the field and will aim for the lead from the outside post. #6 Current has also shown early foot in the past, and he will track from second. The fractions should be honest.

United Nations Contenders

#1 ARKLOW -- Class of the field ran evenly over a ‘good’ turf in the Elkhorn (G2) at Keeneland but will improve on Saturday. Grade 1 victor draws well on the rail and comes back on short rest, which is a positive sign from a heady barn. Mike Smith will be in the stirrups.

#2 STANDARD DEVIATION -- Curlin colt exits a sixth-place result in the Tiller S. at Belmont Park in advance of this bigger prize. 4-year-old colt owns a pair of facile stakes wins from two tries on the course, and I fully expect him to move forward in his third start of 2020. McCarthy will guide the Motion trainee.

#3 MUGGSAMATIC -- Three-time local winner has been first or second in six straight and stretches out following a 1 1/16 miles stakes tally. In-form son of Any Given Saturday shows four solid morning moves while preparing for the United Nations, and he makes a lot of sense if he can endure the trip with Paco Lopez up.

#4 EVE’S MEDAL -- Second-time starter finished up well to be runner-up on the surface on debut, but this class rise will be too much for the son of Medal Count.

#5 AQUAPHOBIA -- Main danger to the favorite has run well while keeping good company since arriving in the Maker shedrow. Giant’s Causeway 7-year-old finished a close fourth in the Wise Dan (G2) most recently, and he could be sitting on a big effort in a third outing following a short layoff. Joe Bravo will ride.

#6 CURRENT -- Pletcher pupil is winless since 2018, but the chestnut has ability and also possesses the right running style for this contest. 4-year-old colt was a neck third in the Pan American (G2) two back and will be dangerous with something resembling that performance.

#7 O DIONYSUS -- Stakes winner lacks consistency, but he poses a threat on his best day. Bodemeister gelding lands in a difficult spot for his seasonal debut, however, and others have more appeal.

#8 CORELLI -- Euro import made up some ground from well back in his U. S. debut, and adds both blinkers and Lasix for his second try in the states. Augustin homebred was a proven stayer overseas, and the bay will be a contender down the lane if he can keep touch in the early going. Daniel Centeno will be in the silks.

#9 PARET -- Speed of the race draws outside in hopes of earning a second consecutive stakes win for Lawrence. Harbour Watch 6-year-old has successfully transitioned from miler to stayer, and he has to be given consideration for the top prize beneath Vargas.

United Nations Wagers

• $2 Trifecta: 1 with 3,5 with all ($28)
• $1 Superfecta: 1 with 3,5 with 2,3,5 with 2,3,5,6,8 ($12)