Ride On Curlin Takes on Seven in $100,000 Essex Handicap

Headlining the field at morning line odds of 2-1 is Ride On Curlin for trainer William Gowan. A contender during the Triple Crown last year, the four-year-old son of Curlin finished second in the Preakness Stakes (G1) before being eased in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He returned off of a seven-month layoff in January at Oaklawn Park to win a six-furlong optional claiming race last out. Jon Court will be aboard from post position seven.

Golden Lad trying to rebound and return to form

Second choice at 7-2 on the morning line is Golden Lad for trainer Todd Pletcher. A homebred son of Medaglia d’Oro for Paul Robsham, the five-year-old has won five of his eleven career starts including the Razorback (G3) at Oaklawn Park last year. He was fifth in his first start of the year in the Hal’s Hope (G3) at Gulfstream Park last time and has been training steadily since then. Ricardo Santana, Jr. will be aboard from the outside post.

Rocket Time shooting for fourth straight win

Also in the field at morning line odds of 4-1 is Rocket Time for trainer Al Stall, Jr. A four-year-old son of Tiz Wonderful, he has won four of his six career starts and comes into this race off of a three-race win streak. He was last seen winning the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds as the favorite. Regular rider Calvin Borel will be aboard and they are scheduled to break from post position two as he goes for his fourth straight win.