There’s so many stakes races today on the Belmont card it was hard to pick just 6 for the challenge. It’s going to be a very busy day on Long Island with the Belmont Stakes today and then the Bruins vs Islanders playoff series right afterwards. Add in the miserable cold Memorial Day weekend and an absolutely gorgeous and warm weekend today and I think it is going to be a zoo out there this weekend. Well, that’s none of my concern, lets have a look at the races today.

Race 1: Jaipur Stakes (G1)

• Bound for Nowhere – Coming off a win last race in the Shakertown Stakes, experience at distance, but no wins, high percentage jockey and higher percentage trainer, hit the board in last 4 starts.
• Fast Boat – Winner of last 2 races, high percentage jockey, high speed figs, not much experience at distance, working bullets, good speed.
• Sombeyay – Couple of second place finishes, experienced with longer distances and drops to 6f, good recent speed figs, nervous about loss to Gregorian Chant, but might be the better horse today?

Race 2: Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1)

• Letruska – Solid, consistent speed figs, winner of 3 of last 4, winner of 4 of 5 at distance, high percentage jockey, working out bullets.
• Shedaresthedevil – Winner of 4 of last 5, high percentage trainer, winner of 5/7 at distance, should be a good race.
• Valiance – Highest speed ratings, winner of 3 of last 4, working bullets, winner at distance, hasn’t raced in a while gives me pause.

Race 3: Just a Games Stakes (G1)

• Blowout – Never worse than second in 7 starts at distance, winner last race, high percentage trainer, winner of 2/3 at Belmont.
• Pocket Square – Winner of 2/3 at distance, winner last race, high percentage trainer/jockey, moves up in class though.
• Regal Glory – Winner 4/7 at distance, winner last 2 races, high percentage trainer/jockey.
• Watch out for shippers Althiqa and Summer Romance

Race 4: Metropolitan Handicap (G1)

• Knicks Go – Monster speed figs, throw out that Saudi race, then winner of last 4, 1 race at distance, familiar jockey, high percentage jockey and trainer, working bullets.
• Mischevious Alex – Very high speed figs, winner at distance, winner of last 3 races, high percentage trainer/jockey, working bullets.
• Silver Slate – Winner of last 5 starts, winner at distance, high percentage trainer, sire by Hard Spun.
• Just Missed – Dr Post – Had high hopes for this horse, never seemed to pan out, did finally pick up a win last race, optimistic that switch to Johnny V makes a difference.

Race 5: Manhattan Stakes (G1)

• Colonel Liam – Winner last 4 races, winner at distance, high percentage jockey, working out well.
• Gufo – Surprisingly second to Channel Cat, high speed figs, high percentage trainer/jockey, winner at distance, winner at Belmont.
• Domestic Spending – Winner 5/6 lifetime, winner at distance, winner at Belmont, working out well, high percentage trainer.
• Just Missed – Channel Cat – thought this horse was washed up, but coming offa win in the Man O’War.

Race 6: Belmont Stakes (G1)

• Essential Quality – Winner of 4 before settling for 4th in the Kentucky Derby, high percentage trainer, good speed, working out well, should be rested after Derby.
• Hot Rod Charlie – Has raced with some of the top contenders, always “in the race”, ran well in the Derby, good speed figs, working out well.
• Rombauer – Ran well in the Preakness, coming off a win, 3/7 lifetime, high percentage jockey, has the speed, ran well at Preakness.

Should be interesting to see how these horses handle the conditions at Belmont. See if you can pick better than me.

http://games.scaredycatfilms.com/pick6/