Two angles to claiming carryover pot rest on weather

ELMONT, N.Y. – No one hit the pick six at Belmont on Sunday or Monday, resulting in a $128,318 carryover as racing resumes Thursday. The pick six begins with race 4 at 2:35 p.m. Eastern.

After a freak storm Monday night that produced quarter-sized hail accompanied by lightning, and with a 60-percent chance of showers in the forecast for Thursday afternoon, it’s anyone’s guess whether any or all of three scheduled grass races in the sequence will stay on.

The three dirt races are manageable seven-horse fields, two of which contain even-money favorites. The turf races, however, all drew fields of 10 plus a handful of also-eligibles for turf and dirt. What follows will be a broad overview and two possible ticket layouts: one for races going on their scheduled surface, and one for a washout.

Race 4: Palooza is even-money on the morning line after a front-running debut when taken down on a close call. The problem is, she didn’t bust any stopwatches (Beyer Speed Figure: 72) and this potentially loaded dash contains several intriguing first-timers.

If Palooza opens at 4-5 and stays there, many will opt to single her and hope for the best. But what if any among Cash for Clunkers, Shoe Penny, or Chive Blossom take serious money? And what do you do with Julene, a half-sister to the early-maturing stakes sprinter Juliet’s Spirit, who broke in a tangle causing her rider to lose an iron first out?

Race 5: Jazzy Moves lost three times as the favorite before graduating, but her maiden win came at seven furlongs on the Widener turf course, which are the scheduled conditions. She doesn’t have a big edge by the numbers over several others, but is consistent, has leading rider Ramon Dominguez and found six furlongs too short last out.

Logical inclusions on turf also include Cougar Cruise, Mordecai Jones, Z Cats Meow, and Song for Pupcake. Song for Pupcake needs two defections to draw in, but will vie for favoritism with Jazzy Moves if she does.

On dirt, Jazzy Moves and Boom Town Sally would have to run down early speeds Alwaysinmydreams and Olive Eye.

Race 6: It’s student against mentor, as leading trainer Rudy Rodriguez sends out D’bigcat, a speedball who has done his best racing at Saratoga, and former employer Rick Dutrow Jr. counters with Sun Dance Moon, whose best race came at Belmont in June. Game on!

Calibrachoa, an in-form shipper from Steve Asmussen, and Not Macho Any More, who chased a torrid pace at Saratoga in his only start since last year’s Sapling, are considerations as well.

Race 7: On turf, those using Centrina, Blazing Honor, Abby Rules, High Cry, and Souper Butterfly may still not feel terribly confident about getting through to the next round.

On dirt, include Abby Rule with the four entered for dirt only: Repreive, Spring Elusion, Suzanne and Lights Out Lisa.

Race 8: Based on her two races at Saratoga, Cinco de Mayo Mio lays over five others who have run recently, particularly off her placing to Ash Zee, when she beat four next-out winners.

The X-factor, especially if it’s wet, is Electric Gold, a $425,000 Seeking the Gold filly who returns from a layoff for new trainer Chad Brown. She won her debut at Gulfstream before dueling vs. eventual Comely Stakes winner Touching Beauty in her only allowance start seven months ago.

Race 9: On turf, Plan A in a wide-open finale is to use Miss Hanky Panky, Aidan’s Slew, Anwar Sadat, Scotchmallow, and Mr. Hadif if it stays on turf.

On dirt, Plan B is to replace Aidan’s Slew with Marsh Haven and keep the other four.