Likely a bit futile to handicap this race as a 5.5F turf sprint as we are almost assuredly getting rain today and races to come off the turf.
It is a solid field though, and hoping that it stays on the green stuff.
No Nay Hudson: Got caught up in the blistering pace of the Palisades stakes getting bested by some rivals in here. Last race, however, he exacted some revenge while getting a much more patient ride with James Graham in the saddle, and ran them all down. Will this be his new running style? Likely as Graham makes the trip to stay on board. We also have a field that looks to have plenty of pace for him to run into. Contender.
Kigali: Speed figures look to be a bit light for this one, but he does come in off a win while cutting back to today's 5.5F distance in gate to wire fashion. Gotta believe they'll be looking to send again and be part of the pace. Would need a career best effort to likely even hit the board today. Prefer others.
Eye Witness: The 2nd of the two Ward entries rolls in with a 3 race winning streak and gets a cut back in distance. Should sit a pretty good trip from off the pace and must be considered as a serious contender.
Dr. Orseran: Has yet to run a bad race to date even including his poor start in his last. The Clement barn is rolling hot, but he'll be adding an extra half furlong today with other speed in the field to contend with. Even with the strong connections and record, I have to question the ship from the Dirf at Gulfstream to this Saratoga strip. I'm gonna have to let this one beat me.
Two of a Kind: Has been very competitive in his 5 starts thus far in 2023, but has always been the bridesmaid with a 5(0-2-3) record. Can he turn the tables on some rivals in here today? Third time turf sprinting and with Leparoux in the irons. Maybe a dangerous one to leave out, but looking at others.
Charging: 1 for 4 lifetime, but that lone win was at today's distance. A definite speedballer that will look to take this field gate to wire. Won't be alone out front however, and may not be the speed of the speed when all is said and done. Tough to kick a Cox runner and Manny has been riding well. Seems to be better in here though.
Briterdayzahead: Solid win last out as a first time turfer. Should sit a good stalking trip and should be coming late. Bullet work on Monday, so looks like he is ready. Contender.
Son of a Birch: Speed figures are very light and his lone win was in an off the turf race. Would certainly like for this one to be run on the main, but even then he would be a tough one to back. Has been well beaten before by some rivals in here today. Pass.
Uncashed: Has a guady 5(4-1-0) record to date and hasn't ran a bad race. Biggest question has to be the competition he has faced thus far, but he does own some solid blowout wins. Irad gets the call for Rivelli so you gotta believe this is a serious entry. Will he charge to the front again in his turf debut, or will he sit back for the first time in his career? With plenty of other speed in here, he may not have a choice but to come from off the pace today.
Gaslight Dancer: Ran his career best race two back on some turf with some give in it. Gets a bit of a freshening and is training well. Didn't embarrass himself in the last year's BC Juvy Turf with a reasonable 6th place finish. In his 3rd start of the year, should be very dangerous.
MTO 
If in fact this race does get moved to the main, then both MTOs become serious contenders out of the Rice and Clement barns with solid off track history.
