Oaklawn Mile exotics wagers

A talented field of 10 will go postward on Saturday in the $400,000 Oaklawn Mile (G3). The contest is headlined by recent San Carlos S. (G2) hero #4 Cezanne (5-2) from the barn of Bob Baffert, and I expect the lightly raced son of Curlin to be too much for his opponents to handle on Saturday.

Bred in the Bluegrass State, the five-year-old brought the gavel down at $3.65 million as a juvenile, and while he has not run to that price tag as of yet, the son of Curlin has hinted that he is of Grade 1 quality. The two-time graded stakes victor was much the best in his latest performance and has more to offer going forward.

Cezanne has been training in solid fashion this season and seems set to peak in his third performance of the season. In addition, the selection has a tactical advantage over many of his foes due to his versatility, and I envision him sitting close to an average pace before opening up a clear lead in the stretch.

I expect Cezanne to be heavily bet nearing post time, so the value will come in the form of the vertical exotics. #6 Silver Prospector (8-1) showed his class when splitting a fine duo in the Mineshaft S. (G3) at Fair Grounds last time out. The Asmussen pupil is far from a win machine, but he has a hint of class to him and also has experience on the course. Declaration of War five-year-old will be in the second flight early on.

Brad Cox’s #8 Fulsome (4-1) possesses the best turn of foot in the cast and will benefit most if the pace is contested early on. The two-time graded stakes victor was a smart five-for-eight in 2021, and he has trained well in the interim for a heady layoff conditioner. Fulsome was a fine winner of the 2021 Oaklawn S. in his lone local appearance, and he will be charging home down the lane with Geroux in the silks. 

Joe Sharp’s #1 Runnin’ Ray (8-1) and Bet on Sunshine S. winner #9 Necker Island (6-1) will also make my tickets.

Oaklawn Mile Exotics Wagers

• $5 trifecta 4 with 6,8 with 1,6,8,9 ($30)
• 50-cent superfecta 4 with 6,8 with 1,6,8,9 with all ($21)