While (1) WOMEN LAYER is seeking his first stakes victory since the Sam McKee Memorial on August 8, he sure has been knocking on the door plenty of times. He was used as hard as any horse coming first-over in the Breeders Crown in a 26 2/5 third quarter while attacking the pesky leader Best Chip. Some of those foes are also in this field, but overall this is a softer group and a spot where he should be able to brush to the front after the dust settles and control the race. (5) COACHES CORNER is sharper than he looks at quick glance on paper and could provide a bit of exotics value due to the race layout. Driver Jason Bartlett will have the option of firing to the front inside of the other potential early speed players or waiting for cover from a horse like (4) DANDY IDEAL, the likely race favorite. The latter swept the Breeders Crown elim and final with two nice cover trips. Although you have to respect his chances, the price will likely be an underlay. It is worth noting that he is also capable of a big speed mile on the engine and he doesn’t have another stakes race for over a month. (3) BYTHEMISSAL is a trip horse at this point in his career. If anyone can find the winning journey it is Dexter Dunn. (6) PRINCE HAL HANOVER has earned more than any horse in the field this year at $675,451 and that is a testament to his fortitude and ability to dance every dance. He will probably benefit from having two weeks off after racing five consecutive weeks. (7) MOSSDALE BEN N recently went over the million-dollar mark in his career. Like local standout (2) LOU’S STAR and Dayton Derby winner (8) SURREAL IDEAL, he’ll need a smooth trip to get into the upper exotics.
