RACE 7: GRADE 1 OGDEN PHIPPS

This nine-furlong test for older fillies and mares figures to be an early preview of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in November, and all roads lead to defending Distaff champ #5 Idiomatic (3-5), our experts’ top choice. She’s run off six consecutive wins, a streak that included a score in last year’s Grade 2 Delaware Handicap, followed, now, by four straight Grade 1 victories.

Not inclined to take 3-5 on the champ? Our ‘cappers also like Pretty Mischievous (6-1) and Raging Sea (9-2) in their top three. The former, a three-time Grade 1 winner as a three-year-old, was well beaten by Idiomatic last out in the La Troienne and will need to step forward in her second start of the year. The latter, trained by Chad Brown, kicked off her season with a facile score in the Grad3 Doubledogdare.

RACE 8: GRADE 1 WOODY STEPHENS

If our ‘cappers are right, this seven-furlong test for three-year-olds is a pretty cut-and-dry affair. If not, well, things could get interesting.

New Jersey-bred #1 Book’em Danno (9-2) is undefeated in four starts at seven furlongs or less and 0-for-2 in two tries at a mile. Fortunately for him and trainer Derek Ryan, that puts the Stephens right in his wheelhouse. The speedster ran big last out in the G3 Saudi Derby, a result flattered when winner Forever Young was a near-miss, tough-luck third in the Kentucky Derby.

The 7-2 morning line favorite is #7 Prince of Monaco. The Bob Baffert trainee won his first three starts but hasn’t been seen since running fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Our ‘cappers are also intrigued by #9 Nash (6-1), who was the runner-up as favorite in the Pat Day Mile last out, from which winner Seize the Grey won the Preakness.

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RACE 9: GRADE 1 JAIPUR

Sophomore filly #6 Star of Mystery (6-1) gets all the love from our ‘cappers, which is a bit bold, considering she’s tackling older boys. No worries, though: she’s done so successfully before and is trained by top grass trainer Charlie Appleby.

Others getting some love: #5 Big Invasion (8-1), the runner-up in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint; #12 Mischief Magic (8-1), the other Appleby; and #8 Cogburn (2-1), the morning line favorite off an easy win in the G2 Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs.

RACE 10: GRADE 1 METROPOLITAN HANDICAP

It’s Maryland-bred week at the Spa, as Studlydoright won the Tremont Thursday for trainer Jerry Robb and Future Is Now won the G2 Intercontinental Friday for Mike Trombetta.

If past is prologue, then, it could be a good day for Maryland-bred #3 Post Time (7-2), who our ‘cappers believe will win. He was along too late last out in the G3 Westchester but had won two prior graded events in the G3 General George and G2 Carter. He’ll be looking for some early pace to take the starch out of the frontrunners and then to run ’em down late.

Who else? Last year’s Preakness winner #2 National Treasure (8-5) continues to run at a high level for Baffert and just missed in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. #6 White Abarrio (6-5) won last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic but in the Saudi Cup, in which National Treasure was a good fourth, he was absolutely nowhere. Last year’s Preakness runner-up #4 Blazing Sevens (8-1) arrives off a win in just his second start since the Middle Jewel.

RACE 11: GRADE 1 MANHATTAN

Appleby strikes again? Could be, as our ‘cappers like #9 Measured Time (7-2) after he’s racked up five wins in seven starts, a ledger marred only by a pretty good fourth in the G1 Dubai Turf. Our ‘cappers also give some love to #8 Far Bridge (10-1) off an even, troubled effort last out in the G1 Turf Classic and #5 Program Trading (5-2), the favorite off a win in the Turf Classic.