United Nations scouting report
Saturday, July 4, Monmouth Park
The Low-Down: One of the major targets for North American turf horses, the $750,000 United Nations Handicap has been won by some top horses in recent years, including English Channel ('06 and '07), With Anticipation ('02), Sandpit ('95 and '96), Lure ('94), Star of Cozzene ('93), Sky Classic ('92) and Steinlen ('90). Last year's winner PRESIOUS PASSION will defend his crown in this 11-furlong event, and '04 victor BETTER TALK NOW will also participate at the tender age of 10. Seven other lawnmowers join the two former winners in the United Nations starting gate, and on paper it appears to be any horse's race.
Our Eyes: PRESIOUS PASSION won last year's UN in gate-to-wire fashion at odds of 13-1. He struggled thereafter, but has returned to the top of his game in recent months, posting three graded-stakes wins and two seconds from five tries. He won the Monmouth Stakes, the local UN prep, last out in super game fashion over BANROCK, and in a race that appears to lack front-stepping types, he may have a tactical advantage. COURT VISION finished a good fourth in the super tough Manhattan last out at Belmont, and he has been the model of consistency since transferring from dirt to turf. BETTER TALK NOW outfinished him in the lane to be third that day, proving he still has a little gas in his tank. Last year's UN runner-up STRIKE A DEAL hasn't been overly impressive in two starts this year, but this race has been the target all along, and the stretch out to 11 furlongs could be just what the doctor ordered. SPICE ROUTE and BRASS HAT traded recent marathon wins over the Kentucky green, and both horses are on top of their respective games. LAURO finally gets some post relief, and the enigmatic WESLEY is capable of popping a huge run, although today's distance may be just a bit beyond his scope.
The Bottom Line: This race couldn't be any more wide open. You can make a case for all nine horses. STRIKE A DEAL should offer fantastic value. His two runs this season weren't all that great, but he stretches out to his preferred distance, and should be ready to rock and roll in the third start of the form cycle. Let's play #2 STRIKE A DEAL $15 to win, $35 to place and $60 to show ($100).
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