What a competitive field we have lined up to contest the G2 Nearctic this year on the Fall Turf Showcase card Saturday. Reminds me of 2025 where Big Invasion somehow managed to get his nose down at the wire in one of the most thrilling stretch runs of that season, the top seven finishers were separated by half a length on the line. He then went on to finish a troubled second in the Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint to Nobals (second in this event last year) who is cross entered here and in the G2 Woodford at Keeneland. That being said, I do really like one horse a lot and am looking to find some value underneath on my ticket: Race #8 G2 Nearctic Stakes Top Selection: #5 Gas Me Up 2-1 Checked in a very credible third for the second year in a row in the G1 Woodbine Mile against two top milers in Notable Speech and Deterministic. Six-year-old gelding by Hard Spun looks to be sitting on a big effort in this third start off the layoff while cutting back in distance. Regular rider for this barn Pietro Moran gets aboard for the first time and jockey/trainer combo have been winning at 28% in 2026. He is in top notch form and continues to be consistent at a very high level of competition – the one to beat. Gas Me Up. Michael Burns Photography Wildcard: # 3 Isivunguvungu (SAf) 20-1 Bonafide grass sprinter ships in for Graham Motion, who recently ended a couple year local drought winning the G1 E.P. Taylor with another South African-bred – Gimme a Nother. Well-travelled eight-year-old will add Lasix to compete here and won his lone start on the medication in June off the bench at Laurel. Stalking style runner looks to get an honest pace to chase and may appreciate the long stretch of the E. P. Taylor course. Interesting player that must be considered at this price. Longshot Play: #4 Western Whirl 8-1 Has been knocking on the door against graded stakes competition since finishing a bang-up third in this event last year at 16-1, which was run at 5 furlongs over the inner course as the outer course was undergoing refurbishment. Interestingly, this is where we find Fraser Aebly (who was aboard Gas Me Up in his last 2 races) so wonder if he had choice in the race and landed here. While he may not be the longest shot on the board, it’s possible he will be overlooked due to his lack of being able to close out the deal – but he will at some point. The Play: $3 ex wheel 5/all = $18 Good luck and safe trips for all. Share This:Share
