$350,000 Grade I Vanderbilt Attracts Talented Field

The handicapping discussion has to start with the second choice, My Happy Way (3/1 ML), who figures to make his presence felt early.  Entering the race with four wins in his last five starts including a dominating five length victory in the Grade III Maryland Sprint in his last start, My Happy Way looks to be the controlling speed in the Vanderbilt, but could find Falling Sky (5/1) breathing down his neck early and often.  

Post position may hurt Palace 

Palace (7/2 ML), a multiple graded stakes winner, is the third choice, but draws the rail which may hinder his ability to work out the kind of stalking trip he has demonstrated in most of his starts.  Still, Palace will be making his third start off the layoff and figures to be primed for a big effort.  In 19 career starts Palace has only finished off-the-board thrice.

Bakken should be right there at the wire

The favorite, Bakken, is 5/2 on the morning line and has a “live” look to him for trainer Chad Brown.  Bakken returned from a five month layoff to finish a game second behind Palace in the Grade II True North at Belmont in June.  Bakken will again be ridden by Javier Castellano who has been aboard for all four of the colt’s career starts.  Castellano should be able to use Bakken’s outside post position to work out a comfortable stalking trip.