Exotics Plays for the Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes

A deep cast of 11 will dash 5 1/2 panels over the Laurel Park grass in Saturday’s $125,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint S. #3 Jean Valjean (5-1) is the quickest horse from the gate and could be clear in the early going of the dash for trainer Elizabeth Merryman. The seven-year-old son of Uncle Lino led in midstretch before being outfinished two back in the King T. Leatherbury S. after being off for more than 16 months, and the gelding was last seen dominating allowance runners on this oval on May 1. 

Jim McKay Exotics Wagers

• $2 exacta key box 3 with 4,7,11 ($12)
• 50-cent trifecta 3 with 4,7,11 with all ($12)
• 50-cent trifecta 4,7,11 with 3 with all ($12)
• 50-cent superfecta box 3,4,7,11 ($12)

Jean Valjean lacks some of the accomplishments of his foes, but the chestnut is two-for-three on the surface and also for-four-seven on turf, and he will be very dangerous with a clean break from the gate. Flavien Prat picking up the mount adds to his appeal. 

Multiple stakes hero #4 Chasing Liberty (3-1) just missed in the Leatherbury off the long absence and looms large second time off the shelf for Rob Atras. The Constitution colt has run well as a closing sprinter on the lawn, and I feel that he also has the ability to lay closer in the early stages, too. The four-year-old chestnut recorded a nice four-furlong drill in preparation for this tilt and will upgrade to Irad Ortiz, Jr. 

#11 Had to Have Him (8-1) is a multiple stakes winner making his second run of 2026, and he could be overlooked in the wagering for John Salzman. The Force the Pass gelding was only three lengths back under the wire in the Leatherbury S. despite having a tough trip, and the five-year-old will only improve off of that effort in this heat. The stalker will have a clear voyage throughout the event with Jevian Toledo retaining the mount. 

Trainer Graham Motion is excellent with horses returning off the shelf, and South African Group-1 winner #7 Isivunguvungu (10-1) figures to run his best race in a reasonable spot. The eight-year-old gelding shows a long string of morning moves in advance of the contest, and if he runs to his form from a few years back, then the bay will be a major presence late with John Velazquez in the stirrups.