With the state of American turf racing being what it is, you never really can count on a spirited pace even if it seems likely on paper. But that is certainly the forecast for the Grade 3 River City Stakes on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

If such a front-end melee materializes, then Cash Equity figures to get the right trip to defeat these rivals. This Toronado gelding has had an interesting career with plenty of back class that has re-emerged with a couple of graded stakes at a mile in his last two efforts. Neither was bad, and I like the stretch out here to 1 1/8 miles. 

Of the potential speeds, I like Masteroffoxhounds the best to see things out on the front end. He is another with back class getting back out to 1 1/8 miles after a steady diet of miles.

Reckoning Force is certainly among the contenders, but the connections of Tyler Gaffalione riding for Brendan Walsh are sure to attract money for this Air Force Blue gelding who has run consistently well at this level. I am projecting him the underlay of the bunch.

It is an interesting betting race because for a 10-horse field there is truly no hopeless outsider. I’ll be watching the exacta will-pays and will be willing to play some of the bombs with Cash Equity if prices are right there.