Belmont at the Big A | Race 7 | Post Time 4:10 p.m. (ET)
Confidence level on Sovereignty winning the Belmont? Through the roof. Confidence level a week later, with rain forecast at many tracks? Ground floor, tops. But if the house crumbles, siding with iffy chalk won’t be the cause.
Daytona
CONCORD BRIDGE
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: June 6, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 3 3/4
Beyer: 92
Older ridgling is a new horse since claimed last year by Ellis. Stretching out from maiden sprint, he dueled and came away in starter allowance. May handle N1X.
Saratoga | Race 9 | Post Time 4:28 p.m. (ET)
Earlier this season it was expected that Thorpedo Anna would cast a long shadow over all of the major events in the older female division, including this Grade 1 Ogden Phipps. However, an uncharacteristically poor showing in the La Troienne last time out has her regrouping rather than competing this weekend. That makes this year's Phipps a highly competitive affair lacking a standout. The two rivals who chased home Thorpedo Anna to complete the trifecta in last year's Breeders' Cup Distaff figure to vie for favoritism.
World Record in the Aristides and World Beater in the Audubon, two of five Churchill stakes Saturday, just missed the cut for this Weekend GamePlan. I like both horses well enough but found three better options.
Regret