Siggylongstockings, one of our Pix last week, apparently didn’t pull his socks up enough as he stumbled at the start and threw his rider. On the other hand, our lukewarm Pix for the 2-year-old race, Jungle Warfare and Armour Plate, for whom we recommended a gimmick play, finished third and fourth respectively to complete a $30 trifecta and $190 superfecta. Be thankful for small favors.
Race 6:
Kitty Kat Kate (#6)
Is bred to improve with this switch to turf.
Gets a positive rider switch to Jose Ortiz.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Wesley Ward is 14 for 48 (29 percent, $3.66 ROI) with runners making the switch from synthetic to turf sprints at five to seven furlongs.
4-1 on ML
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Watching Breaking Lucky get bumped, squeezed, and shuffled back into the first turn of the Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day, I made a mental trip note, eager to forgive his distant fifth-place finish and bet him in his next race.
Belmont | Race 9 | Post Time 5:45 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up now
NEW YORK – Stakes aficionados might have to adjust their racing schedules Saturday since the big Stephen Foster Handicap program at Churchill Downs is an evening one. The Grade 1, $500,000 Foster tops a card that also includes four other graded stakes. And Santa Anita has a Grade 2 stakes doubleheader consisting of the Summertime Oaks and the Honeymoon, which are worth $200,000 each.
Stephen Foster Handicap
Race 4:
Kitty Maddnes (#4)
Was blocked in traffic during the stretch drive last time.
Showed that she was good enough to win a race at this level last year.
Should get a fair pace to close into with a couple of key speed types in the field.
5-2 on ML
Race 7:
Free N Clear (#8)
Has been overmatched in her recent starts in 2017.
Ran plenty of races last year that suggest she can compete at this level.
Should appreciate getting back on a firmer turf course.
20-1 on ML
When you believe you see a live longshot why do you chase the dream? It is probably because the idea of hitting a big number can have such a positive impact on your life, your game and your disposition. However, the thought of passing on an opportunity and missing it can also impact your game and your disposition. During May I missed two great opportunities to cash tickets in excess of $4,000 and later experienced feelings of regret. It’s a pretty human thing to do.
Belmont | Race 6 | Post Time 4:09 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
Not a TimeformUS member? Sign up now
Race 6
Desert Duchess (#2)
Got involved in a heated pace duel last time with a runner that ultimately finished last.
Stepping up in class, but her last effort suggests she's ready to make the jump.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, Mike Maker is 12 for 50 ($3.71 ROI) first off the claim in turf routes at NYRA tracks.
4-1 on ML
KRISSYS MANICURE
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: June 6, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 7 1/4
Beyer: 47
No match for good one-two fillies Surrender Now and Tyfosha, but this 2-year-old firster ran well. From her rail draw, she pushed the pace inside, dropped back, took dirt, and went evenly. Maidens from this stable tend to improve. Twirling Candy filly one to follow.
