Quick look at the undercard

Still have a bit of work to do, but here's my early take on the five stakes..

The first three (True North, Just a Game, Acorn) look fairly straightforward, and it's a shame that there's no pick four that includes any of these races, because there's an opportunity to make some cash. Benny the Bull appears the class of the True North, if like me, you're not a Thor's Echo believer off the layoff. Vacare and Lady of Venice loom the ones to beat in the Just a Game, but Bit of Whimsy and Criminologist certainly wouldn't be shocking winners. Looking forward to the Acorn, as Indian Blessing, the even-money morning line favorite, is vulnerable. Zaftig and Game Face both look like quality one-turn fillies, and the juvenile filly champ will probably be overrated, as she has been. The Woody Stephens is very tough, as J Be K looks SLIGHTLY the best, but if he doesn't win, there are four or five others capable of pulling it off. The Manhattan, however, is freaking impossible. I'd love for someone to talk me out of any of these horses: Shakis, Stalingrad, Out of Control, Strike a Deal, Pays to Dream, Proudinksy, Dancing Forever and Stream of Gold. The race is so wide open, I'm considering going eight-wide and leaving off one of the most accomplished turf horses of the decade (Better Talk Now).

Be back once more before Saturday morning.