Super Screener: Saturday Spa stakes sets stage for long shot

None of the top four morning line choices in the nine-horse, Grade 1 Manhattan Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga is among the Super Screener top win contenders for the 1 3/16-mile turf race that precedes the Belmont Stakes.

That is good news for bettors looking to spice up action that includes the Belmont, which has a logical feel to it thanks to the presence of the Kentucky Derby trifecta Sovereignty, Preakness Stakes winner Journalism and Baeza.

Tucson and Corruption are trying Grade 1 company for the first time in the Manhattan, but their recent efforts definitely show an ability to fit with the seasoned Grade 1 performers in here such as Pegasus World Cup Turf and Turf Classic winner Spirit of St. Louis, the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

"This year's edition of the Manhattan is a wide-open affair that is likely to deliver big exotic wager payoffs," Super Screener's Mike Shutty said. "The top selection is Tucson, whose performance figures from his last win are understated because of the glacial pace that defined that race. He tracked that slow pace and used his solid turn of foot to outsprint his rivals to win easily and earning the right to face tougher here."

If Tucson is unable to wear down those in front of him at this sharper distance than last time, then Corruption could be the beneficiary up top at a price.

"He has moved forward in every one of his last six starts but in an incremental way," Shutty said. "If he moves forward again he has an excellent chance here and offers tremendous value."

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