Masters fair odds: Competitive race favors Casse-trained closer

One of the more compelling races from a wagering standpoint in recent memory is Friday at Presque Isle Downs, which plays host to the Grade 2 Masters Stakes for female sprinters on a stakes-laden 10-race card.

The Masters is the first leg of the Keystone double with the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) on Saturday at Parx. Those races also are the second and fourth legs, respectively, of the Pennsylvania Pick 4, which begins with the Presque Isle Mile and includes the Cotillion Stakes (G1) as the third leg.

Thirteen entered the Masters, and a maximum of 12 can start. A third of the field are clear contenders based on the quartet being between 4-1 and 6-1 on my fair odds. I like Elysian Fields best of the four I have in that range, as I think we'll get our price on here. She will have plenty of pace to run into with my other three contenders, Pandora's Gift, Stormcast and Ellen Jay, all being forward. 

I already discussed fading Baeza in the Pennsylvania Derby, and that intent bears repeating here because there is likely to be value in both the two-day multi-race wagers in playing against the twice classic-placed McKinzie colt.

As for the Masters itself, Elysian Field's style being the opposite of the other three contenders makes her a strong vertical key for wagering purposes, especially as fourth choice out of the four contenders. There also is a scenario where if the pace is really hot then Elysian Fields is only one around at the end, potentially with some other bombs.

Post time for the Masters is 8:36 p.m. EDT, and the Pennsylvania Pick 4 begins at 8:09 with the Presque Isle Mile, which like the Masters attracted 13 horses for a 12-horse gate.

Horse Racing Nation coverage of the Pennsylvania Pick 4 is provided in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association.