Value play for the Get Serious Stakes at Monmouth on June 19

A talented cast of males will dash five-eighths on the Monmouth Park turf surface in Saturday’s $75,000 Get Serious S. The race is headlined by multiple stakes winner #7 The Critical Way (3-2), who has won or placed in seven straight turf sprints for conditioner Jose Delgado. I have a lot of respect for the peaking son of Tizway, but the speedy gelding is sure to face pressure from both sides in this sprint, which I think could leave him a bit vulnerable in the stretch.

I was way off when tabbing #2 The Connector (6-1) at Pimlico in his most recent run, but I think he will outrun his odds on Saturday with a vastly improved effort. The former claimer has a nose for the wire, recording a 16-7-1-2 lifetime line, which includes turf victories in three of his last six assignments. The bay has finished behind the favorite on a trio of occasions in recent times, but I love the projected trip he will receive at Monmouth in his local debut.

The Connector is capable of running from on or off of the early tempo, and on Saturday, he could tuck in behind as many as four horses while saving ground to the top of the stretch. The Hoffman trainee zipped a bullet five panels in his most recent morning drill, and the Kentucky-bred could run his best in a third performance since returning to this barn. Jose Ferrer, who is riding at a high-percentage at the meeting, will take the reins.

I have a hard time seeing The Critical Way missing the board under Paco Lopez and will key him with my top pick in most wagers. The Keystone State-bred is going too well right now to omit, and he ran huge in his lone previous try on the surface, as well.

Beyond my top duo, I have a hard time finding a lot of separation in the cast.

Get Serious Wagers

• $10 win and place #2 The Connector ($20)
• $1 trifecta: 2,7 with 2,7 with all ($14)
• 50-cent trifecta: 2,7 with all with 2,7 ($7)