Memorial Day has always been a big time for my family to go to the races. As a kid, we used to go the cemetery and clean up the graves of loved ones, and make it to the track for a great day of racing. I used to hate one part of the day, and the other part was my favorite. I”ll let you guess which is which….

On Monday, there are some super races to play.

Belmont Park

As a part of the late Pick-4, you have two incredible heats, the G-2 Sands Point, and the G-1 Metropolitan.

The Sands Point looks to be a contentious race, and #4 Check The Label looks good… He looks like a burger fresh off the grill on this day! Ramon Dominguez in the saddle, and Graham Motion is the conditioner. Two back he came from Gulfstream Park, and the runners coming from there are doing well. He immediately scored in the G-3 Appalachian at Keeneland and that is no slouch…. 5/7 on the greensward, and comes fresh off a layoff. The works have been average, and that could be enough to keep him tightened down. It is a G-2 event, and there are only a few graded runners in here. I would box him up with #8 Negligee, and hope the blinkers on with a bullet work will do the trick.

The Metropolitan – G-1

Some very nice runners indeed here, but one stands out nicely in my eyes. #7 Quality Road was meant to be the real deal. I know this is not a secret, but in fact I see you getting better than 4-5.  Musket Man, Warrior’s Reward, and Kensei may take a bit of heat at the windows. So, for part of the multi-race gimmicks, I would not be afraid to take a piece of him. 1/1 ITM at Belmont, and was put on the shelf after a 12 3/4 win at Gulfstream. Remember what I said about the runners coming from Florida? He fires fresh, and the work tab has been good. Johnny V and Pletcher know what they have here, and this son of Elusive Quality is solid. I would single him, and he might be as high as 8-5 in Pick-four pools.

Get your grilling in, and head out to the track. I like this day, as it makes Monday one to remember. We always keep in our hearts our fallen soldiers who gave all on this day, and you can celebrate your day away from the office by making a few bucks to boot..  Good luck, and remember those who gave all for our freedom….