The Grade 3 Phillip H. Iselin Stakes is for three-year-olds and upward going 9 furlongs on the dirt at Monmouth Park. The most notable recent winner of this race is Ghostzapper who romped home by 10 ¾ lengths back in 2004.
The race was first contested in 1884 and other winners include Nashua, Bold Ruler, Sword Dancer, Carryback, Bold Bidder and Spectacular Bid.
This year’s group doesn’t feature a top horse or even a second rate horse. The weakness of the field is a big example of the current poor state of the older horse division. Nonetheless, it is a competitive race. There isn’t a clear stand out and that means it will be a good betting race.
My pick to win the Iselin is Where’s Sterling (Northern Afleet x Twinkler by Benny The Dip). Trainer Nick Canani is having a beautiful meet so far with 7 winners from 36 starts. The colt posted a sharp win at today’s distance two races back at Gulfstream and he exits a better than it looks Memorial Day Handicap at Calder. Third place finisher Jackson Bend came out of that race to win the Marvin at Saratoga and Mambo Meister who was second also returned to win.
Another interesting option in the Iselin Stakes is Chirac (Sligo Bay x Mona Lisa by You And I) who has five wins at the track and races third off the layoff. He figures to be a decent price.
Consider betting the race at Twin Spires where new players get a $100 sign up bonus. It’s my personal choice. Click the link to find out more.
Gradedstakes.com Social Media