Field of Seven Set for $300,000 Commonwealth Stakes

Kobe’s Back has been tabbed as the morning line favorite in the wide-open field at odds of 5-2 for trainer Peter Eurton. Purchased for $480,000 as a yearling, the gray son of Flatter won two starts, including the San Vicente (G2) early in his career before going to the sidelines after a fifth-place finish in the Bing Crosby (G1) in July. He returned in March to finish a fast-closing second in the San Carlos (G2) and will have Gary Stevens back aboard from post two.

Bourbon Courage trying to return to competitive form

Second choice at 3-1 on the morning line is Bourbon Courage for trainer Kellyn Gorder. A six-year-old son of Lion Heart, he has bankrolled over $1 million in earnings over the course of his four-win career. He will be trying to rebound after finishing tenth in the General George (G3) at Laurel last time out in what was his first start of the year. He has had consecutive recent bullet workouts and will have Paco Lopez in the irons from post three.

Rocket Time shortening up in distance

Also in the field at morning line odds of 5-1 is Rocket Time for trainer Al Stall, Jr. A four-year-old gelded son of Tiz Wonderful, he is cutting back to a sprint after finishing fifth in the two-turn Essex Handicap last time out at Oaklawn Park. Prior to that, he had won four straight races and will be trying to earn the first graded stakes win of his career. Regular rider Calvin Borel will remain aboard and they will break from post four.