How to bet the Jazil Stakes

A compact field of five will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Jazil S. The feature is an interesting handicapping event despite its small field size, and I think that there is some value to be had in the well-matched cast.

Jazil S. Wagers

• $8 Exacta: 3 with 1,4,5 ($24)
• $3 Trifecta: 1,4,5 with 3 with 1,4,5 ($18)

Jazil Analysis

The early pace of the Jazil should be solid at the very least. #4 Mr. Buff will set sail from the break as is his customary style, but he will face some heat from #1 Musical Heart on the rail, and #5 Backsideofthemoon from the outside post.

With the likelihood of an early duel, #3 Tenderfoot, despite lacking the class of the aforementioned trio, could sit a dream voyage to the top of the lane. He is my value play at 6-1 on the morning line.

Jazil Contenders

#1 MUSICAL HEART -- Queens County S. runner-up makes a second try off the claim for Atras. Win contender has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in five races in succession, and he has also put in a pair of fine showings on the Aqueduct surface in preparation for this assignment. Manny Franco will ride.

#2 FAME TO FAMOUS -- Outsider is 1-for-12 lifetime and has failed to hit the board in eight straight. He’s in deep.

#3 TENDERFOOT -- Lightly raced son of Graydar has been impressive in posting a trio of wins in a row for Baker, with two coming on the course in succession. Talented 4-year-old was sharp in a facile allowance tally last time out, and while this is a major class rise, I consider the gelding to be a major player with a forward move on Saturday. Eric Cancel has the call.

#4 MR. BUFF -- Millionaire gelding was a dominant winner of the race in 2020 and is the one to beat for Kimmel. Friend or Foe gelding is an eight-time winner at Aqueduct, and though he is not in the same form as last campaign, the 7-year-old is a must use with Carmouche in the stirrups. The New York-bred will be forcing the tempo from the break.

#5 BACKSIDEOFTHEMOON -- Rudy Rodriguez pupil changed tactics in the recent Queens County, and the move paid dividends as he went wire-to-wire in registering a hefty 107 Brisnet Speed figure. The 9-year-old Kentucky-bred was second best in the Jazil last season, and he might do one better with something resembling his latest offering. Jose Lezcano will be up.