$200,000 Knickerbocker Stakes Draws Competitive Field of Eleven

Mexikoma has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 8-5 but is entered for the main track only. Of those entered on the turf, the favorite is War Dancer at odds of 7-2 for trainer Bill Mott. A five-year-old son of War Front, he has won four times and is a multiple graded stakes winner. He is trying to earn his first victory of the year and was fourth in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1) last time out. Jose Lezcano will be aboard from post position seven.

Mr. Speaker going for two graded stakes wins in a row

Second choice at odds of 4-1 on the morning line is Mr. Speaker for trainer Claude McGaughey, III. A four-year-old son of Pulpit, the Phipps Stable, he has won six of his sixteen starts and is a multiple graded stakes winner. Though inconsistent this year, he is coming into this race off of a victory in the Commonwealth Cup Stakes (G2) at Laurel Park last time out. Jose Oritz will be in the irons and they will break from post position nine.

Middleburg trying for back to back wins

Also in the field at morning line odds of 9-2 is Midldeburg for trainer Christophe Clement. A five-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid, he has been on the board in fifteen of sixteen starts and is trying to earn his second consecutive graded stakes victory. Last time out, he won the Cliff Hanger Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park and notched his fifth career win. Joe Bravo will be aboard and they are slated to break from the rail.