Why I'm betting Endorsed in the Curlin Stakes

The $100,000 Curlin Stakes on July 26 at Saratoga offers an unusual entry condition that makes the race an appealing target for up-and-coming 3-year-olds.

The 1 1/8-mile race is restricted to runners “which have not won a graded sweepstakes over a mile in 2019.” In other words, you won’t find division leaders in the Curlin. Instead you’ll find a blend of horses looking for an easy spot to boost their confidence and lightly raced runners stepping up in class.

Some handicappers will be drawn to horses from the former category, such as #1 Intrepid Heart, who will drop in class off an eighth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (G1). #2 Cairo Cat also fits this category, having won the Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs in September, but he’s also returning from a 10-month injury-induced layoff. #5 Rowayton has placed twice at the grade 1 level and endured a troubled trip when third in the Dwyer Stakes (G3) three weeks ago. Perhaps this easier spot can help him return to the winner’s circle.

But I’m tempted to oppose all the proven class horses in the Curlin Stakes and instead throw my support behind #7 Endorsed.

A son of Medaglia d’Oro out of the grade 1-winning mare Dance Card, Endorsed is a Godolphin homebred trained by Kiaran McLaughlin. He was impressive in his debut at Saratoga in 2018, when he rallied strongly in a slow-paced, six-furlong maiden heat to win by a determined neck. At the time Endorsed appeared to have a very bright future.

But after he failed to fire against a high-class field in the Champagne Stakes (G1), Endorsed disappeared from the work tab and didn't return to serious training until February. His delayed start to the season scrapped any plans to target the Kentucky Derby (G1), but Endorsed returned as strong as ever in a six-furlong allowance race at Belmont last month, when he produced a powerful rally to gain four lengths in the final furlong and win by a length in 1:08.78.

Endorsed looked great in his return, as he ran straight and true down the homestretch, full of run. He seemed to be just getting going at six furlongs, and since he’s bred to thrive running around two turns, I’m excited to see him tackle 1 1/8 miles in the Curlin.

I think Endorsed is going to step up in a big way Friday. I’ll bet him to win and key him on top in the exacta and trifecta, while using Intrepid Heart, #4 Grumps Little Tots and #3 Looking at Bikinis underneath.

$12 to win on #7 Endorsed $4 exacta: 7 with 1,4,5 ($12) $1 trifecta: 7 with 1,4,5 with 1,4,5 ($6)

Good luck!