How to bet with, and against, Public Sector in the Hill Prince Stakes

A very good field of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Belmont Park inner turf in Saturday’s lucrative $400,000 Hill Prince S. (G2). The Chad Brown-trained #9 Public Sector (5-2) has been first or second in each of his five assignments this season, led by tallies in the Hall of Fame S. (G2) and Saranac S. (G3) in his last two performances.

The Kingman colt has been consistently very good in his career and comes in fresh for a potent layoff conditioner. British-bred has always performed well over the Belmont lawn, and the bay will also have top gun Irad Ortiz Jr. in the stirrups. The tactical sophomore will track the pace from a few lengths back before putting in his best run turning for home.

But Public Sector has not posted overwhelming Brisnet Speed figures to this stage of his development, and he must overcome a wide post on Saturday after being well drawn on the inside in his previous trio of outings. He will have to be at his very best to take down a talented field at a relatively short price.

Virginia Derby (G3) runner-up #2 Slicked Back (8-1) just missed second when coming home third in the Jockey Club Derby on the course last time out. Trained by Brad Cox, the gelded son of Quality Road has improved with every turf start in his lifetime, and his versatile running style will play well in this cast with money pilot Luis Saez signed on.

Brown’s #4 Founder (10-1) and #8 Sifting Sands (8-1), Todd Pletcher’s #10 Never Surprised (5-1), Manila S. victor #6 Original (15-1), as well as second choice #11 Soldier Rising (3-1), who has been second best in both the Saratoga Derby (G1) and Jockey Club Derby as of late, will pose a serious threat to the favorite.

Public Sector -- With

• 50-cent superfecta key 9 with 2,4,6,8,10,11 ($60)

Public Sector -- Against

• 50-cent trifecta 2,4,8,10 with 2,4,6,8,9,10,11 with 2,4,6,8,9,10,11 ($60)