The Horse Capper: Hazit stands out in the Jeff Ruby Steaks

Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (formerly Turfway Park’s Spiral) came up competitive this with 2018 Kentucky Derby points on the line.

Most of the out-of-town horses will be trying the all weather track for the first time. Given that, I am leaning toward Hazit, who’s 5-1 on the morning line, from the Todd Pletcher barn. This horse broke his maiden back at Saratoga, where he defeated eventual 2-year-old champion Good Magic in both horses’ first starts.

Hazit also offers some turf prowess in his pedigree being by War Front and out of an Indian Charlie mare, Rumor.

I like the lightener he got at Tampa Bay Downs last time out when he finished second at odds on, going seven furlongs in his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The colt delivers nice tactical speed, which should put him a good spot turning for home on synthetic.

And if there is one trainer who knows how to get a horse ready for the Triple Crown preps, it’s Pletcher.

My plays: Win bet on Hazit; Exacta box 3,4,7.