Photo:

Coglianese Photo / NYRA

In addition to being a pair of New York-bred undefeated colts entered in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes on Saturday at Aqueduct with the first initial S, Sacrosanct and Sand Devil have another thing in common. They figure to be short prices in the one-turn-mile event worth 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner.

What they don’t have in common to my handicapping eye, though, is talent. I greatly prefer Sand Devil to Sacrosanct and expect that the relative equal esteem for both means there will be value in betting Sand Devil. Even if he is a slight underlay in the win pool, there is opportunity in singling him in all multi-race wagers.

Whether it is Brisnet Speed Ratings or Ragozin Data, the choice is clear on performance figures, with Sand Devil holding a clear edge there. On Brisnet, for example, Sand Devil’s slowest race is Sacrosanct’s fastest race.

Wagering on the Gotham itself might have an additional opportunity of beating Sacrosanct out of the number altogether. His record and connections will attract too much money. Who are the alternatives underneath Sand Devil?

Normandy Coast looked good pressing a fast pace in his 3-year-old debut, and this type of one-turn, middle-distance race should suit him. Calling Card, another New York-bred, cuts back to one turn, which he used to blitz eight maiden foes three starts back by 17 lengths. His closing style is a positive against this group. My Mitole might be dismissed on class but is going the right way. I’d be keen to use these three with Sand Devil.