How to bet With, and Against, Value Engineering in the Allen Jerkens Handicap

An overflow field of 14 has been entered for the competitive $100,000 Allen Jerkens H. at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The two-mile turf marathon attracted a deep group led by Mike Maker’s #10 Value Engineering (7-2). The recent Keeneland purchase was second in his lone try on the surface and will be tough with his best performance in this spot.

Value Engineering has been running on the New York circuit for the past few seasons and looks like a nice fit in the field. Now in the Maker shedrow, the dark bay six-year-old is bred to run all day and will thrive with the move to 16 furlongs on Saturday with Jose Ortiz taking the reins.

The field is especially well-matched, and finding value could be a nice option for bettors. #2 Oceans Map (12-1) was a fine runner-up in a 1 1/2-mile stakes try at Monmouth Park two back and will be a major presence with something resembling that showing against this cast for Gregory Sacco. By Liam’s Map, the five-year-old appreciates a route of ground and can surely be a factor inside the final furlong with his top effort. Emisael Jaramillo will be in the irons.

Maker’s #9 Kinenos (9-2) had a fine prep for this tilt when third in a nice allowance heat at 1 1/16 miles at Aqueduct in his latest venture. The Empire Maker five-year-old has done some of his best work running extended voyages, and I will be including the Kentucky-bred bay in various wagers at a good morning-line number. Luis Saez riding adds to the appeal.

Irad Ortiz Jr. inherits the mount atop #3 Another Mystery (4-1), who has won or placed in four straight turf endeavors in advance of this test. By Temple City, the six-year-old is a proven turf performer at various distances and could surely appreciate the move to two miles on this day while making his first try for conditioner James Gulick. The bay Illinois-bred will be running from off of the early tempo.

Value Engineering – With

• $10 trifecta: key 10 with 2,3,9 ($60)

Value Engineering – Against

• $.50-cent trifecta: 2,9 with 2,3,9,10 with all ($30)
• $.50-cent superfecta: 2,9 with 2,9 with 3,10 with all ($18)