Force the Pass Battles Euro Invaders in $450,000 Secretariat

Force the Pass is the 2/1 morning line favorite after winning the Grade 1 Belmont Derby impressively July 4. The Alan Goldberg-trainee has 4 wins in 6 career starts to go with two seconds and has claimed consecutive stakes races for his connections. Winning rider Joel Rosario will be back aboard the rapidly-improving colt who will need to be on top of his game again to match strides with a strong European contingency.

Highland Reel tabbed as best of Euros

The Euros are led by 5/2 shot Highland Reel for trainer Aidan O’Brien. The son of Galileo has won 3 of 7 career starts against stiff competition in France and Ireland, including a Group 3 stakes score in the Gordon Stakes July 29 at Goodwood. Highland Reel was also a Group 2 Stakes winner as a juvenile taking the Group 2 Vintage Stakes. The colt will break from post 6 will receiving Lasix medication for the first time.

Other Euros plenty capable 

War Dispatch(4/1) and Goldstream (9/2) are equally as formidable with the former entering the Secretariat after recording a Group 3 win this year to go with a third in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club and a second in the Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam in his native France. Goldstream represents the best of Italy and remains unbeaten in five career starts, including a facile win in the Group 2 Derby Italiano last out.