It’s a busy weekend as the summer meets open at Del Mar and Saratoga. Plus, this weekend is the million dollar grade one Haskell at Monmouth. Lots of great races to chose from but I could only pick 6. Let’s have a look at them.

Race 1: Monmouth Cup (G3)

• Ny Traffic – Second in the Haskell last year, second last race, some experience at distance, second twice at Monmouth, working out well.
• Night Ops – Hit the board in last 5 starts, coming off two second place finishes, experience at distance, high jockey/trainer percentage.
• Dr Post – Hasn’t quite got the wins I expected, has some experience at distance, working out well, a drop in class but still tough competition.

Race 2: Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3)

• Vault – Has won against the competition in past races, winner of 2 before 6th in Fleur de Lis, lots of experience and wins at distance.
• Mrs. Danvers – High percentage jockey/trainer, dropping in distance, working out well.
• Bajan Girl – High percentage jockey, fast speeds, experience at distance but no wins, has been working bullets.
• Just Missed – Banking Sting – winner of last 4, moving up in class and distance, fast horse, maybe she covers.

Race 3: United Nations Stakes (G1)

• Arklow – Has really come on strong winning 3 of last 4 races, has the speed, used to 1.5 miles so can do the distance.
• Tribhuvan – Showing good speed figures, coming off a second in the Manhattan and 2 wins before that, high percentage trainer.
• Fantasioso – Has good turf speed, dropping in distance, coming off a second place finish, bullet workout.

Race 4: Haskell Stakes (G1)

• Hot Rod Charlie – Looks like the one to beat, high speed figs, dropping in distance, working out very well, nice break after Belmont.
• Mandaloun – First or second in every race except loss to Hot Rod Charlie in La Derby, has won at distance, working out well, winner last race at Monmouth.
• Midnight Bourbon – Can’t seem to compete/win anything over 1 mile, beaten by others in this field, will probably hit the board third, not much else to like other than top two, break after Preakness, working well, could surprise?

Race 5: Diana Stakes (G1)

• Harvey’s Lil Goil – Good speed, has wins at distance, should rebound from 5th last time out.
• Lemista – Second to Harvey last race, has the speed, winner at distance, working out well, gets high percentage jockey.
• Althiqa – Winner last race, should duel with Summer Romance, good speed, bullet workout June 26.

Race 6: San Diego Handicap (G2)

• Royal Ship – Coming off a second place run with fast speed, always trust Mike Smith, dropping in distance, graded stakes winner.
• Express Train – Seems like a vehicle theme here, high speed figures, hit the board last 5 starts, working out well, graded stakes winner.
• Rushie – Has good speed, hasn’t won since pat Day Mile, has won at distance, stumble last race, working out well, hoping for better against Royal Ship and Express Train today.

There you have it, lots of good races today. Rain may move into Saratoga for the afternoon. Possible thunderstorms at Monmouth as well. Good luck everyone, welcome back to the Spa!

Play the Pick 6 Challenge and see if you pick better than me, Cornelio!

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