Remsen Stakes 2017: Odds and analysis

As part of the final blockbuster afternoon on the the NYRA circuit for 2017, the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes brings together a field of 10 juvenile colts full of hopes, dreams and potential. The $250,000 event not only represents what would become the biggest career victory to date for the winner, but the nine-furlong affair also brings with it intensified dreams of the first Saturday in May. Just more than five months away, the Remsen will likely go a long way in determining whether these horses should join the 2018 Kentucky Derby trail in earnest, or if they should concentrate on races a level or two below. Without further ado, let's take a look at this Remsen field from the rail out ...

1) Bandito (Creative Cause) 15-1 Romans/Saez (2-1-0-0)

After a nothing-to-write-home-about debut at Churchill Downs as the favorite, this son of Creative Cause woke up in his second start. That sharp win came over a sloppy track at Keeneland going 1 1/8 miles. The question is, was it the distance, the wet track, or the added experience that allowed for the big improvement? Either way, the well-bred Calumet runner steps up again here and will need a similar move forward to factor in for the top spots. Romans loaded with talented juveniles.

2) Triple Dog Dare (Paynter) 6-1 Rodriguez/Castellano (2-M-1-0)

Still a maiden, this one also showed serious improvement in his second go, after an eventful debut performance. Running a flat mile at Belmont last time, he rallied strongly for trainer Rudy Rodriguez to split a pair of promising colts for the runner-up spot. Not sure if he will get another strong pace to run into this time, but the added distance, and second turn, could well help his cause. Still, it's tough to break your maiden in a race like this. e Five in search of more maiden magic.

3) Avery Island (Street Sense) 3-1 McLaughlin/Bravo (3-2-0-0)

Strictly the one to beat, this son of the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner has a lot going for him on Saturday. Not only has he won two in a row, including an authoritative victory in the Grade 2 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct last time, but he is also one of the few confirmed front-runners in the field. Add in additional facts that he is bred to appreciate the added distance, and that he is working lights-out for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, and you can quickly see why this favorite looks hard to handle in this spot. Surely this is a deeper field than the Nashua, but it's hard to get past the Godolphin charge as the logical top pick. Won graded prep for this for fun.

4) Biblical (Tapit) 8-1 Pletcher/Velazquez (3-1-0-1)

After suffering a nine-length-plus drubbing at the hands of Avery Island in his second career start, this half-brother to champion filly Princess of Sylmar rebounded with a determined victory over the highly regarded Marconi last time at this same distance. While certainly on the improve for the powerful Pletcher and Johnny V. tandem, he still needs to show more to win a race like this. The last one gives supporters hope, but I tend to believe that the first-time starter Marconi is the one with even more potential from that November 17 maiden. Hopes to emulate the Princess.

5) Catholic Boy (More Than Ready) 5-1 Thomas/Franco (3-2-0-0)

If the Remsen were on turf, this would be your odds-on favorite. The son of More Than Ready has established himself as one of America's top juveniles on grass with three straight strong efforts to begin his career. Now the question begs: Can he transfer that ability to the main track? His workouts, and the fact that his connections are willing to make his dirt debut in the Remsen, are both promising. But as the likely second favorite, I am willing to take a stand against. His powerful late run on the turf may not translate to a slower paced dirt race. First-time dirt angle.

6) Millionaire Runner (Warrior's Reward) 50-1 Mejia/Ulloa (4-1-1-0)

The good news for this son of Warrior's Reward is that he won his most recent start by a pole. Unfortunately, that victory came in a tedious maiden claimer at Parx. Against this crew, he looks to be hopelessly overmatched. Hard to recommend.

7) Alkhaatam (Tapit) 7-2 Brown/J. Ortiz (1-M-0-1)

Sent off as the favorite in his career debut five weeks ago, this well-intentioned son of Tapit settled at the back of the pack in the early going of the one-mile heat before uncorking a strong rally to get within a length at the wire. That maiden at Belmont looked like a strong one, so despite coming in with only one start and zero wins, this Chad Brown charge needs to be taken seriously in the Remsen. Improvement is expected, and his workouts say ready. If Jose Ortiz can get him to stay in contention early, he should make his presence felt down the lane. Top rival to Avery Island.

8) Vouch (Yes It's True) 6-1 Delacour/Rosario (1-1-0-0)

Another with only one career start and a world of potential, this Lael/Three Chimneys/Delacour colt handled maiden competition at Laurel with disdain on Halloween eve. It's hard to know how that slow-paced race against lesser foes will translate as he steps up to graded stakes racing in the Big Apple, but indications are he could be a real runner. The ease of victory in that one combined with his solid string of workouts -- not to mention his connections -- all point to a Maryland shipper coming to New York with designs on more than only a minor award in here. Dangerous Maryland shipper.

9) V.I.P. Code (City Zip) 20-1 Schoenthal/Quinones (5-2-2-1)

Also based in Marlyand, this City Zip youngster sprinted four times at Laurel before running a surprising second in the Awad Stakes on the Belmont turf. While he does have experience and consistency going for him, he looks to be a longshot once again on Saturday. Having said that, he probably has more ability than given credit for, and he obviously tries hard. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he hits the board once again. Consistent sort.

10) Tap Rap Strike (Tapit) 8-1 Servis/I. Ortiz (1-1-0-0)

Irad Ortiz Jr. hops aboard this first-out winner from Parx in the Remsen. The time of that win, and the margin of victory, were not impressive, but it looks like the Tapit colt did overcome some trouble. Improvement will certainly be needed here, but there is reason to believe the John Servis trainee will move forward in his second start. Still, this looks to be too much of a jump in class to make him a serious win threat. Unbeaten Tapit colt moves way up in class.