Wide Open Field of Twelve Set for $100,000 Fred W. Hooper Stakes

Todd Pletcher will saddle the morning line favorite, Race Day, at odds of 3-1. A four-year-old son of Tapit, he will be making his stakes debut after winning his last three races. He was last seen winning an optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by 8 ½ lengths over a field of eight rivals including Looking Cool who he will face again. He has been training steadily since that race and will have John Velazquez back aboard from post position seven.

Valid trying to return to consistent form

Second choice at 4-1 on the morning line is Valid for trainer Marcus Vitali. Owned by Crossed Sabres Farm, the five-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro has earned three of his seven career victories at Gulfstream Park. He is trying to rebound after finishing fourth in the Hal’s Hope Stakes (G3) in his seasonal debut in January. With regular rider Orlando Bocachica sidelined with injury, Paco Lopez will be aboard from post position ten.

High-priced Mosler going back to the dirt track

Also in the field at morning line odds of 8-1 is Mosler  who will break from post five for trainer Bill Mott. Purchased for $1.05 million as a yearling, the dark bay son of War Front has won three of his seven career starts. He is returning to the main track and getting Lasix for the first time after finishing sixth in the Ft. Lauderdale (G2) on the turf in his graded stakes debut. He will be reunited with Joel Rosario who was aboard for two of his three wins.