Looking For a Longshot in the Grade 1 Manhattan

The Grade 1 Manhattan Handicap is the 10^th race on Saturday and part of the stellar undercard on what might be an historic day of racing.  The race is sponsored this year by Knob Creek and according to the DRF this is the 113^th running.

It is a mile and a quarter on the inner turf course and the purse is 1 million dollars. Looking ahead at the weekend weather, the course should be firm and dry.

 

Here’s a look at the field for ThoroFan’s HandicappingCorner from the rail out –

 

IMAGINING – A grade 1 winner at Belmont in his last, the Man O War,

he gets a rider switch back to JV who has won on him before. Breaking from the 1 hole he will come out of there running. He likes this distance and likes this track.

 

HEY LEROY – Has never been the distance, is a cut below but if you throw out the “off the turf”, this horse is 1-2 every time.

 

ROOKIE SENSATION – Lightly raced, talented colt for good connections. This horse does have a huge turn of foot however, but not sure it will be as effective on the Belmont turf as it has been on the West Coast. 

 

GRANDEUR  (IRE*) – Very nice race in the Man’O War, and now adds Lasix. Has been very competitive at the distance.

 

BOISTEROUS – Winner of this race last year when there was a little give in the ground. Only millionaire in the field, he always tries and is coming in with a bullet.

 

SEEK AGAIN – Hmmmm… Mott trainee who was a head back of champion Wise Dan in a Grade 1 in his last. Juddmonte homebred won the Hollywood Derby in December. Gets Rosario back. Dropping weight from last effort and getting weight from top three. Has a big look.

 

FIVE IRON - Likes to go to the front and will have company there. May be the speed of the speed, but where will he be in the final furlong?

 

REAL SOLUTION – A Ramsey’s Kitten’s Joy and a very useful sort. Likes the distance but in 4 starts has never won at Belmont. Will leading rider Castellano make the difference?

 

KAIGUN – Another who has finished second to the Champ going shorter. Would have to step it up in here

 

CHAMOIS – Improving colt has moved up with blinkers. Getting major weight from top three. Can comfortably sit behind the speed and sharp connections must think he wants more ground. Very live LONGSHOT.

 

At first glance it would be easy to say the results of this race could look a lot like the results of the Man’O War. But Mott’s horse Seek Again looks very solid in here. However the more I look at Chamois the more I like him. His very good run in the Dixie, his first start in 6 months should set him up nicely for this. He still has upside potential; he has tactical speed and will need to secure a good early position from his outside post. Rider Joe Bravo will do that. The 8 pound weight advantage might be the key to a win for him here.   He’s a longshot for sure, but he looks very live and at his morning line odds of 15-1, I will be using him in my exotic wagers. Not sure if he's good enough but I'm willing to take a chance on him. 

 

Belmont Day 2014 could go down in the history books.  Enjoy the day and fast and safe to all our equine friends!