Parx Stakes Spot Plays for Sept. 24

A total of nine black-type races, led by a pair of Grade 1 tilts, will highlight the signature day of racing at Parx on Saturday.

Race 7 – Dirt Mile S.

A well-matched field of eight will vie in the one-mile dirt endeavor. #4 Far Mo Power (6-1) intrigues me in making just his second route run, and third race off the layoff, as well. The gelded son of Uncle Lino rallied well to be runner-up in the Storm Cat S. most recently and would be dangerous late with expected improvement on Saturday. Dexter Haddock will once again guide the Keystone State-bred.

Race 8 – Greenwood Cup S. (G3)

The 1 1/2-mile dirt test is led by Grade 2 victor #8 Fearless (6-5), who has become arguably the top dirt stayer in training at the current moment. The Brooklyn S. (G2) winner followed up his fine tally at Belmont Park with a convincing score in the Birdstone S. at Saratoga, and he will endure clear sailing throughout on Saturday with Luis Saez in the silks, as well. He will be a popular single on many tickets.

Race 9 – Turf Monster S. (G3)

An overflow field of 15 will dash five panels on the green in the competitive $300,000 grassy sprint. #4 Nothing Better (4-1), a four-time winner on the turf, rates a big chance in this heat on the cutback in distance for Jorge Duarte Jr. The Munnings gelding was much the best over New Jersey-bred foes two back at Monmouth, and he didn’t land in a very deep field on Saturday, either. The chestnut will be forwardly placed from the opening bell with Saez in the stirrups.

Race 10 – Gallant Bob S. (G2)

A huge cast of 14 will travel six panels on the dirt in the $300,000 event. I came away very impressed with the victory posted by #3 Provocateur (4-1) at Monmouth most recently and will give him top billing despite being the morning-line choice in a huge field. The Todd Pletcher pupil moved to the fore early and put his foes away by midstretch last time out, and despite drawing near the rail, his natural early foot will ensure that the son of Into Mischief receives a favorable voyage throughout. Irad Ortiz Jr. riding adds to his obvious appeal.