Belmont at the Big A | Race 3 | Post Time 2:15 p.m. (ET)
Belmont at the Big A | Race 6 | Post Time 3:51 p.m. (ET)
Likely favorite Spiced Up (#6) will probably beat this field if he runs back to his Mahony-winning performance two back at Saratoga. Yet that is the only race in his past performances that makes him particularly formidable here. I'm generally willing to forgive horses for failing to show up at Kentucky Downs, but he was very disappointing in the Franklin-Simpson, and I'm reluctant to make too many excuses for a short-priced favorite. I see two intriguing alternatives.
Belmont at the Big A | Race 9 | Post Time 5:20 p.m. (ET)
This conditioned claiming finale looks pretty wide open, lacking a clear favorite. My Life Story (#4) has been pretty popular with the bettors over the course of his career, and figures to take money again with Flavien Prat getting back aboard. I do like him turning back in distance, but he's settled for minor awards a bit too often for my liking.
Three weekends out from Breeders’ Cup and focus grows ever narrower. But the second Saturday of the Keeneland meet features a Breeders’ Cup sort of opportunity for 3-year-old turf fillies.
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
I could only rule one horse, Will Then, out of win contention, and she could instead run Saturday at Woodbine. It’s a good-looking renewal of the QE II.
CONQUISTADORA
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Oct. 3, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/2
Beyer: 61
This debut juvenile filly ran well in maiden turf mile. Not quick, race next to last, rallied wide far turn, finished evenly . Decent debut by Justify filly, who can improve next out.