The Grade 3 Street Sense Stakes is perfectly named, as its titular character won both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby in 2006-2007 at Churchill Downs. While its ten entrants this year were not ready for the top 2-year-old race, they can still take a 10-point step toward next year’s Kentucky Derby with a win Saturday going 1 1/16 miles on the main track.

One of the better bets in the race is on Sovereignty, who would not only be securing 10 Derby points with a win but also his first career victory. Hopefully his lack of success on the win end to date helps his price. He is 5-1 on the morning line, but I have him as the most likely winner.

You’re probably wondering why.

He had no real chance on debut after breaking from the rail but ending up six wide. Still, he closed strongly and showed some competitiveness. Next out, he stretched to a one-turn mile and pressed a slower pace, lacking punch to get the dub. Again, though, a competitive race.

Now Racing Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott stretches this one out to two turns with go-to pilot Junior Alvarado retaining the mount. He can win this.

Liking the morning-line third choice means the morning line favorites are likely underlays. Between Tiztastic and Comes a Time I prefer the latter as he sat of the pace in his debut before fighting for the win late. Tiztastic was impressive in two turf wins at Kentucky Downs, but 3-1 morning line favorite is just too light for a colt with such a discrepancy in speed ratings between surfaces.

From a longshot perspective, either of the BB horses drawn inside, Bracket Buster or Baby Boat, could outrun their odds if overlooked in the betting. Bracket Buster broke his maiden in his two-turn debut, and Baby Boat closed to win a pair of races going a sharp 5 1/2 furlongs at Hawthorne Race Course.

Wagering wise, I’ll be looking to play Sovereignty to win if my fair odds of 7-2 are there. I’ll also play Bracket Buster and Baby Boat with Tiztastic, Comes a Time and Sovereignty in the exotics.

Coverage of the Churchill Downs fall meeting made possible through a marketing cooperative between the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, Horse Racing Nation and Churchill Downs Inc.