The holiday weekend rolls along Sunday with another 10-race card at Belmont Park topped by the $100,000 Saginaw Stakes for New York-breds.
The Saratoga Special’s John Shapazian also rolls on with his picks for the weekend, and he’ll continue through July 4. Check out who John likes Sunday. Good luck and enjoy.
Race 1
In a contest of those that have been dull in the last few events, MADDIZASKAR gets a narrow advantage, drops in price, goes turf to dirt. DOINWHATSHELIKES makes her second start off the bench, may improve. LA INESPERADA is the pace setter, will appreciate any moisture in the surface. 3-4-6
Race 2
If moved to the main oval, POSSE NEEDED (MTO) should go well for Mark Hennig. On the turf, DEFROCK fired a bullet June 17, the Bill Mott barn has been warming up after a chilly start at the Belmont meet. SOAR ONCE MORE has been caught wide in her last two events, will need some early pace. MISERICORDIA was promising in her debut, goes out for the always dangerous Alan Goldberg. 1-2-3-5
Race 3
ZEVEN has been inconsistent, woke up on the turf in her last, timid vote. SPLASH OF SASS draws an advantageous outside post for trainer Robbie Davis as son, Dylan, gets a leg up from Gary Sciacca on MEGAN’S MUSE. 2-7-3
Race 4
DOWSE’S BEACH coasted on the lead in his last effort, Brad Cox having a great Belmont meet. BIG ROCK worked well June 14, figures close. PULLING G’S tries the turf and gets off the rail. 2-3-6
Race 5
NINE ROUTE, by The Factor, has a series of steady drills, goes out for an outfit that seldom wins first out, this could be an exception, adds Lasix. LUTHERAN RAGS has also shown some solid morning works, goes out for Christophe Clement. FUN PROSPECT should improve after his initial “off the turf” effort. 5-3-10
Race 6
BUSTIN IT has blazing speed, will take them wire-to-wire. BLUEGRASS PREVAILS should stalk the early pace setter, Irad Ortiz in the irons. NOBODY MOVE will be looking for the pace to back up. 6-4-5
Race 7
IL SEGRETO drops in for a tag for his third attempt of 2017, should get an early lead, may also go well if switched off the lawn. WAR BOND cuts back from 11 panels, looks well spotted. NEOCLASSI overcame some traffic to score in his last effort, goes out for Steve Klesaris. 1-4-5
Race 8
ROCKETRY made a powerful late kick to blow by the field in his maiden victory, takes on winners and older rivals. GAUGUIN is hard to gauge, does not show any works, questions. TATHQEEF is an expensive Shadwell purchase, must improve to be a factor. 3-5-4
Race 9
DIVERSIFY is afforded an edge in a competitive event, will be part of the early pace. INSIDE STRAIGHT was overmatched in the Met Mile. The now 6-year-old SAMRAAT returns for Rick Violette, had a promising 3 year old season. 3-4-5
Race 10
POLAR CITY cuts back to 7 furlongs, drops in class. RAREST QUALITY tries the turf, will also go well on the main track. SHAMROCKED the gelded son of Trappe Shot goes out for Chad … Summers not Brown. 3-2-11
