2023 Jaipur Stakes Exotics Plays
An overflow field of 16 will dash six panels on the Belmont Park outer turf oval in Saturday’s $400,000 Jaipur S. (G1). The Bill Mott-trained #11 Casa Creed (9-2) has won the past two editions of the race, and I will make him something of a centerpiece in my exotics wagers in the ultra-competitive contest.
By Jimmy Creed, the seven-year-old put in a huge run to just miss under the wire for a second straight season in Saudi Arabia last time out, and he is following the same pattern as he did last campaign en route to a score in this heat. The Kentucky-bred bay is a deep-closing type who will have to navigate a trip through this huge field turning for home, but I have confidence that Luis Saez will find a path and let him sail in the stretch over his favorite course.
#9 Nothing Better (8-1) has been in a fine form cycle dating back to 2021 and is an exotics must-use, in my opinion. The consistently good Jorge Duarte trainee comes off a narrow setback at Pimlico in his latest offering and could shine in his third run off the layoff in this spot. The Munnings gelding has very good gate presence and will be in range every step of the way with Manny Franco in the stirrups.
Reigning Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) victress #12 Caravel (3-1) is in the midst of a four-race win streak for trainer Brad Cox. The classy Pennsylvania-bred mare was super impressive in her Unbridled Sidney S. waltz at Churchill Downs most recently but will face a tougher task on Saturday. Nonetheless, the fleet six-year-old figures to sit a fine voyage while clear and forcing the tempo from the break in a field without a plethora of early gas. Tyler Gaffalione will be in the irons once again.
I’m intrigued by California import #3 Air Force Red (12-1) as a potential pace presence at a nice price. Trained by Leonard Powell, the son of Air Force Blue has proven to be capable of carrying his speed up to a mile, but I think that he is ultimately best at a distance similar to this one, and I expect him to thrive in his initial Belmont appearance. The bay has been training swiftly and benefits from picking up John Velazquez.
- $1 trifecta: 11 with 3,9,12 with all ($36)
- $.50-cent trifecta: 11 with all with 3,9,12 ($18)
- $.10-cent superfecta: 3,9,11,12 with 3,9,11,12 with 3,9,11,12 with 2,3,5,8,9,10,11,12 ($12)
