New York-breds get top billing in the Artie Schiller Stakes

An overflow field of 13, with four being entered as main-track only contestants, will travel one-mile on the Aqueduct lawn in Saturday’s $100,000 Artie Schiller S. The grassy endeavor attracted a well-matched group, including two Empire State-bred runners that are of particular interest to me.

• Wagers
  • $20 Win: #2 Rinaldi ($20)
  • $10 Exacta Box: 2-10 ($20)
  • $.20-cent Superfecta: 2,10 with 2,3,4,10 with 2,3,4,10 with all ($14.40)

Trainer James Bond will saddle #2 Rinaldi, who looks like the one to catch from the two post. Victorious in the West Point S. at Saratoga two prior, the 4-year-old son of Posse was beaten to the lead in the recent Mohawk S. at Belmont Park and tired to sixth under the line. He will rebound on Saturday.

Rinaldi shows a pair of sharp sharp wire-to-wire wins this campaign, and he will clear the field early on Saturday barring a mishap from the gate. Nik Juarez inherits the mount atop the speedy bay and gets the nod to lead at every call at a decent number.

Multiple stakes victor #10 Therapist makes his debut on the course for conditioner Christophe Clement. Chestnut son of Freud has won or placed in each of his four assignments this campaign, which includes a clear runner-up showing in the Mohawk most recently.

The consistently good 5-year-old has registered triple-digit Brisnet Speed figures in two of his last trio of outings, and he possesses the positional presence to be in range as the field turns for home. Javier Castellano picks up the ride on the stalker.

Juddmonte Farms’ Group 3 hero #4 Delaware and Grade 2 winner #3 Hawkish, each has displayed the ability to win a race of this nature in the past and will be included in the vertical wagers.