The Fall racing season is in full swing, and the sun is beginning to set a little earlier each day. The foliage around the nation is turning from nature’s green goodness to the brilliant colors of autumn. Yes, this is my favorite time of year to watch Thoroughbred racing. Keeneland’s boutique meet is in session, Churchill Downs is getting ready to open, and Santa Anita is preparing for racing’s biggest stage. My wagering heart will be in a different part of the country this weekend as Belmont Park has the Empire Showcase Day on tap this weekend. Winning Ponies wants to get you in a New York state of mind by offering up a free glimpse of what the E-Z Forms hold for this incredible day of racing action. Be sure to download your E-Z Win Forms to get your maximum value, and sit back and get ready as it’s almost post time!

 

Belmont Park

The weather forecast call for a high of 66 degrees, and partly sunny.

 

Race #3 – The $150,000 B.F. Bongard – 7f – 1:22 p.m. ET

#8 – Wired Bryan (8-5) = John Velasquez in the saddle for Mike Dilger (40%).  This son of Stormy Atlantic owns a Last Race Rating (LRR) of 66, and a Composite Rating (CR) of 57. He sports the “ Dropping in Class, and “Has Improved” icons to show where he is heading. He exits off a 7 length victory at Finger Lakes, and is in the patient hands of Johnny V. This is a very speedy colt here, and if he clears off early it could be lights out.

 

Race #8 – The $200,000 Ticonderoga Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 4:05 p.m. ET

#1 – Effie Trinket (3-1) = Luis Saez for Richard Violette. A three-year-old colt by Freud who is 4/6 ITM on the weeds. She owns a LRR of 62, and a CR of 60. She has a field best Turf Class Rating (TCR) of 26.6. Her handicapping icon notes she is “Moving up in Class” and her back races all show promise. Look for an up close stalking effort, and a move around the final turn to take command.

 

Race #10- The $200,000 Mohawk Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf – 5:13 p.m. ET

#11 – Notacatbutallama (6-1) = John Velasquez is the pilot for Todd Pletcher, and they are winning at a 21% clip. This son of Harlan’s Holiday sports a 64 LRR, and a 66 CR. His TCR is a field best of 27.3, and owns the “Dropping Down in Class” handicapping icon. He is 9/11 ITM on the grass, and makes  huge drop that should be to his liking. Look for a stalking trip from the outside, as Johnny V weaves his way closer to rail down the backstretch. He should be a big factor as they turn for home.

 

Belmont offers an incredible card, and you’ll want to download the entire E-Z Win Forms to get maximum value for the day. Everything is in real time, and there is no more hopping around from site-to-site. Winning Ponies is your one-stop-shop for all of your racing needs. As we head toward the Breeders’ Cup, you’ll want to check back with Winning Ponies for blogs, stories, and free selections. Best of luck this weekend from your friends at Winning Ponies!