$110,000 Canterbury Stakes a Bettor's Delight

In his last four starts, 5/2 morning line favorite Mr. Online has competed exclusively at the grade 2 and grade 3 level, falling just a neck short of winning the Appleton Stakes and Canadian Turf last winter at Gulfstream – both grade 3 events run at a mile on turf.    The five year-old gelded son of Silent Name should appreciate the class relief, but has not raced since July 6 – a fifth -place finish at Woodbine in the grade 2 Highlander Stakes.  Trainer Michael Pino connects with 21% of his runners returning from layoffs between 60 and 180 days.  Mr. Online has shown a versatile running style and can adapt to multiple pace scenarios if he is ready to fire. 

Buster Rose gets acid test 

Buster Rose (9/2) is unbeaten in four turf sprints this year at Indiana Downs, but will face much classier opposition in the Canterbury.  However, the Stephen Dunn trainee boasts speed figures that would put him in contention against this field.  Buster Rose would benefit from a fast, contentious early pace to set up his closing kick under jockey Jeremy Rose. 

Mongol Bull on the improve

Mongol Bull (6/1) will have to overcome the 13 hole, but the rapidly improving colt nearly pulled the upset at odds of 56/1 in the grade 3 Woodford October 4 at Keeneland.