Handicapper's Corner: Salvador Mile (G3)

 NY Traffic Heading to Monmouth

By: Laurie Ross, Pedigree Power

 

The Salvador Mile (G3) at Monmouth Park attracted ten older horses. Last year’s Salvador Mile winner Pirate’s Punch is back to defend his title. However, his nemesis Bal Harbor, who placed third in two attempts against Pirate’s Punch, will try to turn the tables. Ny Traffic could jam up the results.

 

 

Let’s take a look at the most likely suspects.

 

Pirate’s Punch runs well fresh. He’s been out of the money only twice since 2019, and he’s our returning Salvador Mile champ. The Grant Foster trainee loves Monmouth; he recorded two of his career-best speed figures at the track. In addition, Pirate’s Punch has tactical speed from the outside.

 

Ny Traffic began his 4-year-old season with a resounding 6 3/4-length victory against state-bred optional claimers. The race was a strong confidence builder after the pretty gray colt was beaten a combined 34 lengths in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Previously, Ny Traffic gave Authentic all he handle in the Haskell Invitational (G1). The Saffie Joseph, Jr. trainee shares the highest Brisnet late-pace figure in the field with Informative. NY Traffic does his best work as a pacesetter/presser.

 

West Will Power is lightly raced with only five starts under his girth. However, he’s never been out of the money and is undefeated at Monmouth in both starts. West Will Power is making his first start as a 4-year-old, and the Kelly Breen trainee is stepping up from Optional Claiming class. He has tactical speed but will likely settle just off the pace in the early stages.

 

Galerio has speed on the rail. He’s won or placed against lesser types in 21 of 24 starts, which is quite an achievement. However, he’s still searching for the elusive stakes win and has placed second in a trio of overnight stakes at Laurel Park. Nevertheless, the Dale Bennett trainee gets an A-Plus for consistency, and he could be overlooked in the betting.

 

Bal Harbour takes another run at Pirate’s Punch. The multiple graded-placed gelding can be counted on to hit the board, but the last time he entered the winner’s circle was in 2018. The Greg Sacco trainee has been in the money at Monmouth in all seven starts. However, the 6-year-old hasn’t been closer than third in his last five outings.

 

Green Light Go hopes to return to last year’s form when Jimmy Jerkens trained him. This year under Jerry Hollendorfer’s care, the son of Hard Spun hit the board once against lesser runners. Green Light Go is a need-the-lead type, and he’ll have company upfront.

 

War Stopper could keep Green Light Go company as another need-the-lead pacesetter. The Pletcher trainee hasn’t been successful against graded stakes types, although the cut back in distance could help.

 

Croatian is a horse, for course. He’s been in the money in all four starts at Monmouth but takes on tougher company this time around. However, he has tactical speed, and if stablemate Green Light Go keeps the pace honest, Croatian could close for a piece as a live longshot.

 

Informative has hit the board twice since 2020 and appears up against it.

 

Selections

Speed rules at Monmouth and much of the field have similar running styles. When the dust settles, I believe NY Traffic will prevail. He’s faced the likes of Maxfield and Authentic, and there’s no one of that quality in here. West Will Power had a career-best figure at Monmouth last year, and he can settle off the speed. Pirate’s Punch can track the speed from the outside. I’d like to see the old guy win his second Salvador Mile for sentimental reasons, but he’s facing a classier field this year.

#7 NY Traffic (9-5)

#2 West Will Power (6-1)

#10 Pirate’s Punch (5-1)

#1 Galerio (6-1)