A win bet and exotic bet for the 2023 Iroquois S.

Sep 13, 2023 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A
total of 21 qualifying points are on the line in Saturday’s $300,000 Iroquois
S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. The one-mile contest for juveniles attracted a
really nice field of nine two-year-old prospects in the 2024 Road to the
Kentucky Derby challenge series event.

Trainer
Steve Asmussen has entered a pair of well-meant colts for the tussle, and I
feel that both of his entrants will have a major say in the outcome of the
contest. Impressive debut winner
Risk
It,
who is campaigned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm, is
the leading selection in the one-mile fray. The chestnut colt was sent postward
as the 9-5 favorite at first asking at Saratoga on Aug. 19 and didn’t
disappoint, as he led in gate-to-sire fashion from the rail en route to a
powerful 4 1/2-length victory.

Risk
It earned a strong 91 Brisnet Speed number in the six-furlong dash and will
stretch out on Saturday to a distance that seems well within his scope. The
son of Gun Runner has posted a pair of good morning drills on the Oklahoma in
advance of his stakes bow, led by a bullet move most recently, and I expect him
to flash his big early speed once again beneath the Twin Spires. Tyler
Gaffalione will retain the mount aboard the talented youngster.

Edified, also from the Asmussen shedrow, was
a smart winner at Ellis Park at first asking prior to finishing unplaced in the
Saratoga Special S. (G2) when running into a buzz saw in his second lifetime
run. Purchased for a hefty $650,000 as a yearling, the son of Tapit is a
half-brother to Grade 1 heroine Constellation and gives the impression of a
colt who will thrive while making his route debut. The dark bay shows a trio of
solid morning moves in preparation for his second graded attempt and will have
Ricardo Santana Jr. in the stirrups on Saturday. The Kentucky-bred will track the
tempo from just off the pace in this spot.

I
feel that both Ellis Park maiden victor
Liberal
Arts and Todd Pletcher’s debut winner Union
Roll each have a top-three chance in the race, and I will include them in
the vertical exotics.

Iroquois Win Wager: #8 Risk It

Iroquois Trifecta Wager: Key #8 Risk It on top of #1
Liberal Arts, #3 Union Roll,and #4
Edified.