How to bet the Boston Handicap

A good field of seven will run seven-eighths on the dirt at Colonial Downs on Friday in the $150,000 Boston Handicap. #4 Lonesome Road (2-1), a half-brother to Grade 1 star Mindframe, has been dominant in both of his lifetime runs on the dirt following two grassy tries to begin his career, and I will give the gelding a major chance while making his stakes debut. Trained by Michael Trombetta, the four-year-old has displayed big early foot and a nice closing kick in his last two and has also trained forwardly in advance of the tilt, as well. The Maryland-bred will be forcing the pace from the opening bell with regular pilot Mychel Sanchez taking the reins once again. 

Boston Wagers

• $12 exacta 4 with 7 ($12)
• $6 exacta box 4-7 ($12)
• $2 trifecta key 4 with 3,6,7 ($12)
• 50-cent superfecta 4,7 with 4,7 with 3,6 with all ($8)

The Todd Pletcher-trained #7 Illuminaire (9-2) showed little in his lone 2025 appearance at Saratoga, but the five-year-old has run some big ones in the past and has worked well in advance of his seasonal bow. A three-time winner from six career runs in advance of Friday, the tactical sort will receive a great trip while in the clear throughout with Rajiv Maragh on board. He has upset potential. 

Likely pacesetter and win threat #3 Chipotle (5-2) was a strong runner-up at Laurel Park in his last endeavor while earning a lifetime best 102 Brisnet Speed rating in the process. The Michael Gorham-trained son of Mitole comes in fresh for the heat and will be sent to the front from the break. Regular rider Raul Mena will guide the gelding. 

Tom Morley’s #6 Private Desire (15-1) was a distant seventh in his first run for this outfit off the long layoff and will run as a gelding for the initial time. The five-year-old son of Constitution is not consistent, but he has run some good ones in the past, and I like the aggressive placement by his connections in his second outing off the break. The Kentucky-bred gelding will rate early and make one run in the lane with Jaime Torres in the silks.