Royal Gem One to Beat in Forerunner

The $100,000 Forerunner Stakes at Keeneland Wednesday showcases a field of 3-year-old colts and geldings running nine furlongs on the turf.

Royal Gem, winner of the Academy Road Stakes, will be the colt to beat in the seven-horse field. Undefeated in two lifetime starts, the son of Royal Academy will be saddled by Bobby Frankel. Alex Solis will fly in to ride.

Jerry Bailey has accepted the call on Danny Hutt's Red Masque. The stakes-placed Red Ransom colt has never been worse then second in his five-race career. His closing style suits the Keeneland grass course.

The Forerunner field from the rail out: A Secret Scoop (Jon Court); Goshin's Lad (Robby Albarado); No More Chads (Jorge Chavez); Extra Check (Eddie Martin, Jr.); Mystic Salse (Pat Day); Royal Gem (Solis); and Red Masque (Bailey).