My family would gather to watch the Memorial Day parade in a town that looked like Mayberry. The high school band played, decorated veterans walked proudly, and fire trucks blared sirens tossing candy to the kids. The parade would finish 50-yards past our family, and my dad would gather us up to make our trek to River Downs. A fried chicken lunch was prepared by my mother, and we would grab our place under the large oak tree. We always gathered on this day of remembrance, and celebrated as a family. The kick-off of summer, the taste of fried chicken, and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Winning Ponies wishes you and yours a happy and safe Memorial Day!

 

Belmont Park

The weather forecast calls for sunny skies, and a high in the 70’s.

 

Race #7 – The (G-2) Sands Point – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:13 p.m. ET

***** THIS RACE BEGINS THE $500,000 PICK-FOUR *****

#4 – Watsdachances (3-1) = J.J Castellano in the saddle for Chad Brown. A three-year-old daughter by Diamond Green appears to enjoy the inner turf. She is 2/2 with the tight turns, and 1/1 at Belmont. She was  beaten favorite first off-the-shelf in the (G-3) Appalachian at Keeneland. Brown wins 25% making the second turf start off the rest, and Castellano wins at a 22% on the green.

#5 – Unbelievable Dream (7-2) = Joel Rosario in the irons for trainer Barclay Tagg. A lightly raced fill who won the (G-3) Appalachian. Her dam has four starters with four winners, and three of which rolled to victory on the turf. Second off the shelf, and Rosario is riding lights out!

 

Race #8 – The (G-1) Ogden Phipps – 1 1/16 – 4:45 p.m. ET

#1 – Joyful Victory (7-5) = Rosie Napravnik in the driver’s seat for trainer Larry Jones. A speedy mare who looks to dictate the pace today. She won handily in the (G-1) Santa Margarita. Add in she is 2/2 ITM at Belmont, and cuts back in distance. That was a hot work at Churchill going 5f in 1:00.20… I think she will be tough to wheel in for this compact field of six.

#2 – Tiz Miz Sue (5-1) = Joe Rocco Jr. in the saddle for Steve Hobby. That was a very nice race last out in the (G-1) Apple Blossom, and she has recorded a “Monster Workout” according to the E-Z Win Forms. She is the top tier selection, and owns a field best 59+ Last Race Rating.

 

Race #9 – The (G-1) Acorn Stakes – 1 mile – 5:17 p.m. ET

#1 – Kauai Katie (1-1) = John Velasquez picks up the mount for Todd Pletcher. She is the top tier selection in the E-Z Win Forms, and owns  a field best 57+ Last Race Rating. She has had 7 starts with 6 wins. the only blemish was the Breeders’ Cup Fillies where no runner had Lasix. She gets the “L” today, and goes from 7f to one mile. Pletcher wins 35% on the stretch out, and she should be tough to handle.

 

Race #10 – The (G-1) Metropolitan Handicap – 1 mile – 5:49 p.m. ET

#1 – Cross Traffic (3-1) = Johnny Velasquez in the saddle for trainer Todd Pletcher. A lightly raced son of Unbridled’s Song, and made nice showing first off the bench. The rail is winning at 29%, and he is the top tier selection in the E-Z Win Forms. He owns a 66+ Last Race Rating, and may be a maturing trouble maker. If you get near 3-1 you should bet early and often.

#6 – Flat Out (5-2) = Junior Alvarado in the irons for Bill Mott. He is a horse-for-the-course going 4/4 at Belmont Park. Always knocking on the door, and has two bullet works over the deep Saratoga training track. The E-Z Win Forms have him under watch with the “Monster Work” tab, and “Has Improved” icon. Should be respected in this fast field, and could be a monster if the pace collapses.

#5 – Swagger Jack (12-1) = Irad Ortiz gets the nod for Marty Wolfson. he was a longshot winner of the (G-1) Carter, and the E-Z Win Forms has him tabbed as well. The faster they run, the better he likes things. If it gets hot, Ortiz knows the oval well.

#7 – Sahara Sky (6-1) = Joel Rosario up for Jerry Hollendorfer. When this trainer runs on the east-coast, it is usually for a reason. Rosario had to alter course going 7f last out, and gets a little more room to charge. Once again, if it gets hot on the front end, Joel knows how to make good from the back of the pack.

 

Ticket cost = 2 X 2 X 1 X 4 = $16 for a $1 ticket, and $8 for a 50-cent version.