Sure, the Gun Runner and Untapable Stakes launch the roads to the Louisiana Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails, respectively, but a path toward the Muniz Memorial presented by Horse Racing Nation on the lawn commences as well.

The Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes is the first of four stakes races for males on turf. The pattern follows the Louisiana Derby path: the Colonel Bradley happens on Lecomte Stakes day in January, the Fair Grounds Stakes presented by Horse Racing Nation on Risen Star Stakes day in February and then the Muniz on Louisiana Derby day in March.

The good news for bettors this week, is that while the favorites look tough to the point of even offering value in both the Gun Runner and Untapable, a long shot has a real chance in the Diliberto.

Gigante is the 9-5 favorite, and it is no surprise that he is a likely winner given his graded-stakes form and a win over this turf course last year. But, 9-5 is way too light and there is no reason to think he will not take money given the connections of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen legging up leading rider Jose Ortiz.

Swiftsure would be far more intriguing if not for other speed in here, but it is hard not to see Idratherbeblessed wanting to go with Swiftsure from the rail. Throw in Stitched wanting to be at least tracking those inside horses early and you can see how things could set up for a closer.

Tonka Warrior was wide when chasing a fast pace last out at Keeneland. Freshened for this, there are races further back on the page where he gets this type of trip and wins. Maybe those races at Canterbury were not as deep as this, but 12-1 morning line is more than fair to gamble on the lucky charm James Graham getting this one to roll late.

Another Mystery is the other closer, and that makes him dangerous, but he is giving six pounds to all rivals and the 4-1 price is just OK. I like him better than any of the three inside horses, but greatly prefer taking a bigger price on Tonka Warrior.