$125,000 Ashley T. Cole Draws Field of Eight State-Breds

With two contenders entered for the main track only, including the 8-5 favorite, Empire Dreams, the top choice among those pointing for the turf is Lubash at odds of 9-5 for trainer Christophe Clement. An eight-year-old son of Freud, he has won fifteen of his 43 starts and has won two of the last three editions of this race. He is coming into this race off of three consecutive victories and was last seen winning the West Point Stakes. Junior Alvarado will be aboard from post seven.

Kharafa trying to rebound back against restricted company

Second choice at morning line odds of 2-1 is Kharafa for trainer Tim Hills, a member of the New England racing Hall of Fame. A six-year-old son of Kitalpha, the bay gelding is a ten time career winner and a multiple stakes winner. He is trying to rebound after finishing seventh in the Oceanport Stakes (G3) last time out. Javier Castellano will be in the irons and they will break from post eight.

Iron Power looking for first stakes score

Christophe Clement will also saddle Iron Power who has been tabbed at odds of 5-2 on the morning line. A five-year-old son of Mizzen Mast, the gray gelding is a six time winner and will be trying to earn the first black type victory of his 23 race career. He was fourth last time out in the Bowling Green Handicap (G2) and will break from the rail under jockey Jose Ortiz as he tries to earn his first stakes win.