Handicapper's Corner: Hopeful Stakes (G1)

2016 Hopeful Stakes - Will There Be a Runaway Winner?

By Robert Marks, They're in the Gate (and on Twitter @theyreinthegate)

Closing Day at Saratoga Race Course, Monday 9/4/16 brings us the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes Featuring 7 2 year old colts. The race is 7 furlongs on the Dirt.

Here are the participants listed by Post Position, Horse,  Age, Odds, Weight, Jockey and Trainer

PP	Horse	A/S	ODDs	Wgt	Jockey	Trainer
1	EverybodyluvsRudy	2  M	20-1	116	Angel S. Arroyo	Rudy R. Rodriguez
2	Practical Joke	2  M	3-1	118	Jose L. Ortiz	Chad Brown
3	Runaway Lute	2 M	9-2	122	Ricardo Santana Jr.	Gary C. Contessa
4	Bitumen	2 M	2-1	122	Javier Castellano	Eddie Kenneally
5	Royal Copy	2 M	8-1	118	Luiz Saez	D. Wayne Lukas
6	Classic Empire	2 M	5-2	120	Irad Ortiz, Jr.	Mark E. Casse
7	Pretty Boy Flash	2 M	15-1	116	John R. Velazquez	Steven M. Asmussen

Here's who we like as far as horses to consider:

Classic Empire- This fast horse was sired by Pioneer of the Nile who sired Triple Crown Winner American Phaoroah.  He comes off a very fast speed figure at Churchill Downs in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor (6 Furlongs). I think this horse will relish the longer distance. I can easily see this horse breaking early and going wire to wire.

Bitumen-I-This is the horse for you if you like to pick a horse who has run previously at Saratoga. He won the Grade 3 Sandford Special on 7/23/16. His win was more workman like than fast. Should be hanging midpack before making a move late.

Practical Joke-For the last Graded Stakes race at Saratoga for 2016 it will be hard to look past the likely Trainer/Jockey leaders in Chad Brown and Jose Ortiz. Has only raced once, but it was at the Spa on August 6th in an 83K maiden race. After a rough start he rallied nicely for the win.  Kobe's Back this horse should be rallying late. He will have the addition of first-time blinkers. COASTLINE was fourth behind Wild Dude in the Kona Gold last time out -- this start, second off the lay, could reflect improvement. With such a fast field a good gate break will be needed.

Runaway Lute-It's always exciting to have a New York Bred in the Hopeful Stakes. He is 2-0 with the 2 wins coming at Belmont Park against fellow NY Breds. Now he takes the step up against open company. He has the speed to contest.  

Wagering/Betting Handigambling Bankroll:

We feel confident with Classic Empire and recommend using him in all your exotic bets.

$25 Win/Place: Classic Empire  (6) ($50 total)

EXACTA: $2 Key Exacta (10 Bets for total cost of $20)

6, 4 / 2,3,6,4

Trifecta ($1 Box for $24 Total)

2,3,4,6

$6 Show : Classic Empire

As always, watch the Board and if at the track watch how the horses look in the Paddock and adjust your bets accordingly. Good Luck!