A dozen talented 2-year-olds have entered Saturday’s $250,000, Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, an important stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.

The Remsen takes place over 1 1/8 miles around two turns, making it the longest Kentucky Derby qualifier open to 2-year-olds. It’s a stiff test of stamina, which should play to the strengths of #2 Paladin and #6 Courting.

Paladin showed serious talent when debuting in a one-mile, one-turn maiden special weight at Aqueduct. After sticking close to a solid pace, he accelerated his final quarter-mile in :24.14 (and his final eighth of a mile in a terrific :11.94) to finish second by a head against Remsen rival #9 Renegade. However, Renegade interfered with Paladin in the closing strides, so the stewards disqualified Renegade and awarded Paladin the win.

With this strong debut under his belt, Paladin is eligible to improve in the Remsen, especially while tackling 1 1/8 miles. His pedigree suggests he’ll relish the longer distance, and red-hot jockey Flavien Prat retains the mount.

Courting likewise broke his maiden in a one-mile, one-turn maiden special weight at Aqueduct. The son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin led all the way to win by 2 ½ lengths, in the process running his final quarter-mile in an excellent :23.95.

Courting’s dam is Cavorting, a three-time Grade 1 winner. The cross of Curlin and Cavorting previously produced Clairiere, a four-time Grade 1 winner racing 1 1/16 miles. Everything about Courting’s pedigree and race record suggests he’ll improve substantially while trying 1 1/8 miles in the Remsen.

We prefer the chances of Paladin and Courting over the more accomplished #11 Talkin. Talkin ran well on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes, rallying from off the pace to finish second behind runaway winner Napoleon Solo. But a blazing pace played to Talkin’s strengths, and he’s unlikely to receive as favorable a setup in the Remsen.

Our best recommendation for betting the Remsen is to play Paladin and Courting on top of a trifecta ticket and adding Renegade and Talkin for second and third place. A ticket with a $1 base bet amount can be played for $12, but if you want to spend more in search of a higher payoff, a $3 base bet amount (for a total cost of $36) is an enticing option.

Wagering Strategy on a $12 Budget

$1 trifecta: 2,6 with 2,6,9,11 with 2,6,9,11 (total cost: $12)

What to say at the betting window: Aqueduct, 9th race, $1 trifecta 2,6 with 2,6,9,11 with 2,6,9,11

Wagering Strategy on a $36 Budget

$3 trifecta: 2,6 with 2,6,9,11 with 2,6,9,11 (total cost: $36)

What to say at the betting window: Aqueduct, 9th race, $1 trifecta 2,6 with 2,6,9,11 with 2,6,9,11

Good luck, and enjoy the race!