Handicapper's Corner: United Nations Stakes (G1)

Solid Field Lines Up in United Nations Stakes 

By:  Michael Amo, ThoroFan

The United Nations Stakes (GI) at Monmouth Park is a big race for the shore track and marks the kick off for their summer racing. The race attracts solid runners, coming out of solid races.  Four of the ten come off nice races at the grade one level. Chad Brown brings three horses to the field trying to control the pace and finish first with one. The question is which one? Velasquez aboard Wake Forest will be ready for them. Let’s look at the field and see if there any surprises.

Can’thelpbelieving (IRE) (Duke of Marmalade) Ran gamely in Man O War. Working a bullet. Gets Jersey Joe Bravo. Will do better than last. Could bring home the trophy and nice payday.

Cement Clement (Limehouse) Deserves the long odds. Over his head here. Will set the honest pace helping to assure an exciting stretch call, although void of his name. Backend of exotics, perhaps?

Wake Forest (GER) (Sir Percy-GB) Improved in 2016 with a perfect record. Both in strong closing moves. Rightfully the favorite. One to beat

World Appeal (Northern Afleet) Tactical style maybe useful but not likely enough to win.

Mr. Maybe (Ghoszapper) One of Brown’s three entries. Working Nicely at Saratoga. Perhaps the one he likes the best. Comes off a Key race. Maybe?

Triple Threat (FR) (Monsun-GER) Has Mott’s second off a lay off style. Had bad luck 2 back. May run better that what shows on paper. Worrisome, though?. Maybe a lower exotic player.

Noble Road (Partner’s Hero) Local claimer taking a shot at the big time. Pass.

Money Multiplier (Lookin At Lucky) Scared them at 18-1 in Man O War. A 3^rd Brown entry who appears to be in the race to assure an honest, fast pace for Wake Forest or Mr. Maybe who will doing their best running in the stretch. Backend of Trifectas/Superfectas?

Bigger Picture (Badge of Silver) Likely early speed, but not likely there at the end. Pass.

Reviere Du Loup (Ghostzapper) Perfect at Monmouth Park a low levels. Bravo goes to the #1. Pass.

Pace will be honest. Likely setting the race up for Wake Forest, Mr. Maybe, World Appeal or Can’thelpbelieving.

The picks:

1.           Mr. Maybe (#5)

2.           Can’thelpbelieving (#1)

3.           Wake Forest (#3)

4.           World Appeal (# 4)

The Handigamble play is:

$10 Exacta Box: 1,3,5 ---$60

$10 Exacta Box: 1,5 -----$20

$20 to win on #1 because of Jersey Joe Bravo --$20