$100,000 Yankee Affair Stakes Draws Six on Turf

The morning line favorite at odds of 5-2 is Red Rifle who will break from the outside post under John Velazquez. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the four-year-old gelded son of Giant’s Causeway was purchased for $250,000 as a yearling. He has won three of his ten starts and earned the first stakes victory of his career in Maxaam Gold Cup at Sam Houson in March. He was last seen finishing second against optional claiming competition at Saratoga.

Legendary trying to remain perfect at Belmont

Second choice at odds of 5-2 is Legendary (GB) who is a perfect two for two at Belmont Park. Trained by Niall Saville, the five-year-old gelded son of Exceed and Excel (GB) began his career in Great Britain and won two races overseas before making his United States debut in April. He was last seen finishing in a dead heat for third in the Lure Stakes. Sheldon Russell will be in the irons for the first time and the pair will break from post position four.

Turf debut for high-priced Elnaawi 

Also in the field at odds of 5-1 is Elnaawi for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Javier Castellano will be aboard carrying the royal blue silks of Shadwell Stable and the pair will break from post position three. A $500,000 purchase as a yearling, the dark bay son of Street Sense has won three of his eleven starts and will be making his first start on turf. He was fourth in the Iselin (G3) at Monmouth Park last time out after a stumble at the start.