Vyjack and Reload Square Off in Lure Stakes

Reload is the 8/5 morning line favorite for trainer Shug McGaughey despite finishing three quarters of a length behind Vyjack last out in the Forbidden Apple Stakes. The six year-old son of Hard Spun will be making his second start off a layoff of 45-180 days – a 17% winning angle for McGaughey. Javier Castellano, who has ridden Reload in five consecutive starts, retains the mount breaking from post 6.

Vyjack proving capabilities on turf

Vyjack, the 2/1 second choice for trainer Bill Mott, has adjusted nicely to the grass in his last two starts, running second and third respectively in the Grade 3 Poker Stakes and Forbidden Apple at Belmont. The classy five year-old gelding is a multiple graded stakes winner on dirt and will be ridden for the third consecutive time by Junior Alvarado. Vyjack should find this an easier spot after chasing the talented King Kreesa in each of his last two starts.

Pletcher horse training well

Charming Kitten (4/1) may be a step slower than the top two, but is capable of winning on his best day, and has been training forwardly at the Spa, completing a bullet four-furlong move August 1 in 47.04 seconds over the turf. Trainer Todd Pletcher hits at a 25% clip with runners returning from 31-60 day layoffs.