The Eddie Read Handicap to be run at 1 1/8th on Jimmy Durante turf course is showcasing some new blood that is attempting to move to the next level of runners to watch.

There is a field of 7 runners going to post, and maybe with the exception of one or two this is one of the most wide open affairs this race has produced in years. I love it when the races get tough. That means if you connect, you get paid. The odds are a bit sweeter, and the public should be divided equally between three contenders.

This race always has been on the Breeders’ Cup races to watch list, and this year may be a bit tougher as the past years have seen bigger standouts, and some higher quality. That being said, I still stick to my guns and say do your homework because if your rolling late in the lane you should get paid off nicely.

A couple of warriors that warrant a closer look are: Spring House. This runner exits Dubai, and runs very well off of the layoff. Julio Canani wins 19% with a runner who is freshened up 90 days or better, and this 6 yr old by Chester House should relish the cutback in distance. Add all this up and factor in Gomez in the saddle and he can be a real player who has seen some big runners.

Another runner looking for glory is Monzante. Trained by Mike Mitchell, and ridden by Rafael Bejarano can be a deadly tandem as they have won 44% , and been in the money 81% in the last 60 days. Flat out incredible… His dam Donzante has 9 starters with 7 winners, and two of those are stakes winners.  He makes his third start off layoff, and Mitchell does very well with bringing his runners along to point at a target like this.  He came running like a house on fire last out, and given the history with rider and trainer he is one you have to take seriously.

Finishing out the trio of terror is Storm Military.  Here is a Bobby Frankel trainee opening up at a nice price. He is 10 for 13 in the money on the turf, and in the last 60 days David Flores and Frankel have won 25%, and been in the money 75% of the time. Not bad numbers at all…. He has some blazing foot, and should ensure the pace is honest. Frankel wins 20% with all of his turf runners, and 54% in the money. Add in that he wins 20% with his graded stakes runners, and the picture gets tougher by the minute.

When you have an opportunity like this you should not find the hotdog stand and take a break. This is when you box em’ like you mean it, and use a few in the pick three’s and pick four’s. The tougher the field, the better the payoff. Now, that is something to sing about.