The Gotham Stakes Analysis & Picks

It's another Uncle Mo Day, this time at the BIG A where three of the now-prolific sire entered in this GIII prep.

Most of the big names aren't here and there isn't speed to burn in the field, but this looks to be a highly competitive affair with just about any of the 8 participants capable of early the Derby points.

Let's start with #1 Laoban, scratched out of the Risen Star, methinks because this might be an easier route, but I am not sure why. If anyone knows, please pipe up as it might provide a clue.

He's a puzzler with a ton of talent ($260K sale), by the way), but probably lacking in maturity and racing-brain development, typical in a lot of young 3-year olds. I like seasoned vet Gryder riding and, at 15-1, I must include. Maybe he pops today?

#2 Shagaf......Lots to like for Chad Brown and the 3-1 ML. Bred for the distance, the Bernardini colt is a must play somewhere and looks tailor-made for the extra footage.

#3 Adventist...At 4-1 ML, he's a bit juicy for 23% wins conditioner Leah Gyarmati. Out of Any Given Saturday, he is on the improve and I think he'll like the distance. He finished 1-3/4 back to Sunny Ridge in the Withers......track notes offer evidence "Raced green; shied whip." I look for a correction today.

#4 Vincento.....Easy to dismiss the NY-bred at 20-1 ML, but that 90 Beyer stands out among this crowd along with trainer Rodriquez 30% wins. Take a close look as a decent slice isn't out of the question.

#5 Mo Power.....Among Todd's "B" team, another Uncle Mo has cache' and plenty of room to improve. Great spot for him today and the trainer is serious enough to put Johnny V on the Lear jet to ride. This boy sold for $325K, so it's time to get serious for his owners. Lot to like.

#6 Conquest Big E....I have no idea where in heck Mark Casse is getting these talented 3-year old's this year ($700K sale), but here is another one....and a Tapit colt to boot. In his 3-year old debut in the Holy Bull, he broke in the air, got bumped and was pretty much a gawker. He's a good one who can win this at 6-1 ML, especially if it comes up sloppy, a surface for which he has 2 wins

#7 Sunny Ridge.....The "Rocky" of the 2016 3-year old set, this New Jersey-bred is all heart. 6/3-2-0 lifetime and with 4 stakes on his resume in 6 races.......with a win in the Withers. An underdog who, if he gets traction, will be the darling of the TC season. A big contender here at 7-2 ML.

#8 Rally Cry.....No slouch at 5-1 ML, the Uncle Mo colt is spotted well by Pletcher. I like Junior Alvarado aboard. If he gets out well, he could do real damage. Another solid contender. His first graded stakes, which doesn't scare me off with very steady work coming in.

My picks:

50 points at stake

Note: Mo Power entered Sunday, but not scratched today, according to Big A website.

#1 Laoban to win and place......Not a stretch at 15-1, he's competed with some of the better Californians, including Collected, Let's Meet in Rio and Urlacher and held his own.  I am not a fan of the trainer, but I am of Gryder. Out of the one hole and given limited speed here, the jock will need the hands of Donald Trump to guide him home.

#3 tri wheel: 1/2,6,7,8/1,2,5,6,7,8

#1 tri wheel: 1,2/1,2,3,6,7,8/1,2,3,5,6,7,8

$12 exacta: 1/2,6

$8 exacta: 1/3,8

$4 exacta: 2,6/1

GL TO ALL

Shagaf rallied to edge Laobon...great race!

2-1-3-7

2 Shagaf J: I. Ortiz, Jr. 116Lbs T: C. Brown I. Ortiz, Jr. 116Lbs C. Brown 4.50 3.60 2.90

• Pay offs: $2.00 Exacta (2-1) Paid: $46.60 , $2.00 Trifecta (2-1-3) Paid: $186.00 , $2.00 Superfecta (2-1-3-7) Paid: $699.00