Maker claim gets the upset nod in the Colonel E.R. Bradley

A big field of 14 will go postward in the $125,000 Colonel E. R. Bradley on the Fair Grounds turf Saturday. The one to beat gets a demanding outside draw and is worth trying to upend from that slot.

Colonel E.R. Bradley Analysis

Louie Roussel’s #7 Sailing Solo (15-1) has gone gate-to-wire in three straight endeavors, including a game allowance score over my top pick over the course in his most recent venture. The Smart Strike 5-year-old has never been better and will take the field into the first turn while establishing a solid early tempo.

Stakes star #11 Factor This (8-1) does his best work when forcing the pace from the break, and the bay will be in the hunt from the onset under Shaun Bridgmohan. #9 Midnight Tea Time (12-1) figures to tracking the early pace with his tactical speed along with Gio Ponti victor #8 Temple (12-1).

I will look for a late runner to win the event inside the final furlong and will side with Mike Maker’s #10 Parlor (10-1). The 6-year-old gelding makes his first run for his new connections after being claimed for $80,000 in November.

Parlor owns a strong turn of foot, and the son of Lonhro also owns some back class. The Kentucky-bred was beaten by just a half-length in the deep Wise Dan (G2) at Churchill Downs in June, and he followed with a stakes triumph at Delaware Park.

The battle-tested dark bay gave a good impression of himself in his local bow last time out, finishing a head second in his first since the removal of blinkers. Parlor shows four morning moves following the claim, and I envision him commencing his run approaching the turn for home beneath Joe Talamo.

The classy #14 Mr. Misunderstood (7-2) shows a 5-3-1-0 line on the Fair Grounds sod and is a formidable foe for Brad Cox. The genuine son of Archarcharch put in his customary late burst to repeat in the River City H. (G3) at Churchill Downs in his 2019 finale.

Kentucky-bred is 4-for-5 at today’s distance, and Mr. Misunderstood will also benefit with a few expected scratches in the field. Regular pilot Florent Geroux will guide the 12-time turf winner.

Colonel E.R. Bradley Wagers

• $10 Win and Place: #10 Parlor ($20)

• $10 Exacta Box: 10-14 ($20)