The holiday weekend rolls along and a 10-race card topped by one of the New York circuit’s most prestigious races for 3-year-old fillies tops the day’s action at Belmont Park.
The Grade 2 Mother Goose is the feature of Saturday’s card and The Saratoga Special’s John Shapazian has his opinion. Check out all of his picks below to get the scoop and hopefully make some cash to pay for those fireworks. All the best and good luck.
Race 1
LONG NIGHT drops in claiming price again for Bill Mott after disappointing in his last effort. LOVE AND CARE finally gets to the turf, will be the early pace setter, and has some ability on the main track. CHAPIN, the newly gelded son of Gio Ponti, returns to the races after a 15-month absence. 8-1-2
Race 2
JEWEL CAN DISCO flashed his speed last season, will try and take them wire to wire, a break in his work tab is of concern. GET GAME makes his debut for John Terranova, adds Lasix, Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. GREAT BLAKE ran well at 46-1 over a sloppy surface, shorter price today. 3-2-1
Race 3
MAKEALITTLELOVE takes on winners after her maiden victory, may take another step forward for Michael Maker. TREATHERLIKEASTAR attracts Johnny V., runs for a tag and has some off turf ability. JAZZY JUDER figures close for Michael Dubb-Rudy Rodriguez. 5-1-7
Race 4
WEST HILLS GIANT comes off the claim for a sharp outfit, afforded an edge. DEUCES HIGH, lightly raced son of Noble Causeway, has lots of upside potential, sharp work June 2. CORE POTFOLIO will be part of the early pace. 5-3-7
Race 5
BLUE ATLAS is by English Channel out of a More Than Ready dam, should go well on the turf for Todd Pletcher. GOODBYE BROCKLEY tries the lawn after disappointing on the dirt. QUIETLY QUICK debuts for Christophe Clement should also take to the sod. 7-10-1
Race 6
If moved to the main track, ASIAN’S WAY (MTO) by Trappe Shot, should go well for John Toscano. Otherwise, CRAZY ABOUT JAZZ, ships in from south Florida, takes on softer rivals, attracts Dylan Davis who is having a solid Belmont meet. MOJO’S QUEEN makes her second 2017 start, should improve. DELTALINA is the probable pace setter, could go all the way on the engine. 4-1-10-5
Race 7
CONQUEST BABAYAGA made a powerful close in a Grade 3 event just to come up a head short, stretches out. OFF LIMITS, uncoupled stable mate of the top choice, and ON LEAVE figure close in a wide-open event. 9-7-5
Race 8
WICKED MACHO cuts back to 6 furlongs after taking on open company on the Belmont Stakes undercard, can boss these. CERRETALTO goes turf to dirt for Jim Bond. DUQUESNE WHISTLE got caught up in a speed duel, may try and rate today. 3-1A-8
Race 9
VEXATIOUS must bring her “A” game shipping in from Santa Anita for Neil Drysdale, Kent Desormeaux in the saddle. UNCHAINED MELODY steps up to a Grade 2 event for Bryan Lynch. MY MISS TAPIT is undefeated with lots of upside. 6-2-3
Race 10
CONQUEST SEE YA cuts back to 7 furlongs, takes on a softer field. SPECTROLITE tries the turf, becomes a major player if moved to the main oval. ZANDAR goes out for the Tom Morley barn, drops to $35,000. 4-3-2
