Patrioticandproud (center) came up just short to Finnegans Wake in the 2014 Hollywood Turf Cup, but he has a big shot in the Louisville Handicap on Saturday at Churchill Downs. (BENOIT photo)

Some of America’s top turf routers will be on hand Saturday at Churchill Downs for the $100,000 Louisville Handicap. I consider this a great, fun wagering opportunity, in a horse racing landscape that is set to become crowded with Triple Crown fever.

The Louisville Handicap drew a field of 9 for this three-turn race covering 1 ½ miles. The way I see this one shaping up, it could and should make for a really exciting stretch run!

Majestic Harbor, our morning-line chalk, has re-blossomed under the training of Paul McGee. Since making the shift to McGee’s barn in February, Majestic Harbor has shown flashes of being the same horse who cruised to a victory in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita last June, upsetting Game On Dude in the process. After a rough end to his 2014 campaign and start his 2015 season, in which he failed to hit the board in six straight seasons, he has rebounded to win his past two races at the allowance level. Majestic Harbor’s a worthy favorite but very much beatable here.

Patrioticandproud is pegged at 9-2 on the morning line, and I like him at this distance. He’s shown the ability to close from well off the pace at 1 ¼ miles, and this race will give him even more room to find his stride late. The added acreage in this race should help his chances, as he’ll get the opportunity to make up some ground quickly over his less conditioned competitors. The Mark Casse-trained gelding should be dangerous if he can settle within reasonable striking distance of the leaders.

Mike Maker trots out Cozy Kitten at the intriguing price of 8-1. He narrowly missed last out a Gulfstream Park among a deep field, and he has the makings of a horse who is rounding back into prime form. He probably doesn’t have what it takes to win here, but I would be surprised if he puts forth another game effort.

This appears to be the perfect class level for Majestic Harbor, but my pick is Patrioticandproud. He’s on the upswing heading into this race and I think this will be a great chance for him to sneak up and nip Majestic Harbor at the finish line.

Best of luck with your wagers!

$3 exacta part wheel: Patrioticandproud with Majestic Harbor, Cozy Kitten ($6)

$.50 trifecta part wheel: Patrioticandproud, Majestic Harbor with All with Patrioticandproud, Majestic Harbor ($14)