How to bet the Private Terms Stakes

The $100,000 Private Terms S. on Saturday at Laurel Park attracted a compact field of six, but it boasts a very competitive cast despite the small field. The 1 1/16-mile co-feature on the dirt lacks a standout, and I will side with #2 Code of Silence (5-1) to go last-to-first in this contest. Trained by Timmy Keefe, the dark bay son of fine regional sire Blofeld is a stakes winner on the oval, and I like him at the distance in this particular spot. 

Private Terms Wagers

• $15 win and place #2 Code of Silence ($30)
• $5 trifecta 2,4 with 2,4 with 6 ($10)

Code of Silence had a nice prep for the event when a fast-closing third in the Spectacular Bid S. on the oval at seven-eighths last time out, earning a robust 110 Brisnet Late Pace figure, and the added ground will be a non-factor for him on Saturday. He has posted two solid morning moves in preparation for the tilt and will make one run late with Angel Cruz in the stirrups.  

The Gary Capuano-trained #4 Hollywood Import (2-1) has won a pair of races in succession and has evolved from a one-run closer to a horse that gets involved from the break. Bay son of Honor A. P. showed heart in battling back after being passed in the stretch in his most recent showing, and going this distance will be well within his limitations on Saturday. Purchased for $50,000 as a yearling, the Kentucky-bred might sit off the early tempo in this one as a few others like to be sent from the break, but he will be up top turning for home with Mychel Sanchez in the controls. 

#6 Wild Warrior (5-1), one of three for Capuano in the event, is one of two in the group with a win at the 1 1/16-mile distance prior to the contest. The chestnut son of Improbable ran evenly in the Spectacular Bid S. in his latest showing and will appreciate getting more ground while making his second run of 2026. The Kentucky-bred colt has the tactical speed to be placed in a good spot early, prior to being asked for his best late with the excellent Yedsit Hazelwood in the saddle.