Grade 3 $200,000 Knickbocker Draws Deep Field

7/2 morning line favorite War Dancer will receive some class relief for trainer Bill Mott after competing at the grade 1 and grade 2 level in each of his last four starts. War Dance, a five year-old son of War Front finished second in the Grade 2 Bowling Green Handicap August 1 at Saratoga and suffered a heart-breaking loss in the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes May 9 at Belmont losing by a head to Twilight Eclipse. Despite his credentials, with just 4 wins in 22 career starts, War Dancer could be considered a risky investment on top and may be better used underneath in exacta and trifecta wagers where he has finished 9 times in his career.

Mr. Speaker classes up well

Mr. Speaker showed a resounding return to form last out winning the Grade 2 Commonwealth Stakes September 19 at Laurel, marking his first stakes triumph since winning the Belmont Derby July 5, 2014. Trained by Shug McGaughey, Mr. Speaker has been a top class horse since his three year-old season, but has struggled with consistency despite a record showing 6 wins in 16 career starts. Jose Ortiz gets the mount breaking from post 9.

Middleburg always in the hunt

Middleburg (9/2) has been a steady performer throughout his career, finishing off the board just once – his career debut – in 16 starts. Racing out of the turf-savvy Christophe Clement barn, Middleburg won the Grade 3 Cliff Hanger August 23 at Monmouth while placing in three other graded events this year.