Another weekend, another armful of winners for The Saratoga Special’s John Shapazian.
Shapazian tabbed eight winners from the 28 races last weekend at Belmont Park, a strike rate of nearly 30 percent. That gives him a total of 42 out of 112, still clicking at nearly 38 percent. He claims “no big deal” and is ready for the four-day stretch of the Memorial Day weekend that starts with a nine-race card Friday.
Check out John’s picks for Friday, May 26:
Race 1
FAST BOAT, the son of City Zip who debuts for Christophe Clement, drilled sharply May 15. ARAWAK, by Uncle Mo, also has worked well, attracts Johnny V. for Wesley Ward. MORRISON, by the Factor, goes for Joe Sharp with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. 6-7-4
Race 2
If moved to the main track, SHE’S SO FINE becomes the horse to beat. Otherwise, WEKEELA has not been seen since last July but has run with the best of them to include, Dacita and Tepin. BOREALE also comes off the bench, has raced well in France. DREAM PROSPECT cannot be ignored on the main track. 1-3-5-4
Race 3
SPRING FOLLY was blocked in the lane in her debut, goes out for the always-dangerous Michael Dickinson. BARBIE ON A BUDGET has some decent dirt efforts, becomes the horse to beat if the race is moved off the lawn. SWEET AUGUST LADY goes out for Chad Brown, but unlike most of his other state-breds firsters, did not spend the winter months in the south, questions. 7-1A-5
Race 4
THIRTYDAYSINJUNE could be a career maiden making her 10th start, timid vote. PRINCESS SARIAH flashed some speed in the slop at 79-1. NAUTI BELLE is not impossible in a weak field. 2-7-8
Race 5
LOS BORRACHOS appears in peak form, could sit the perfect trip stalking the early speed. RAY’SWARRIOR comes off the claim, should get an aggressive ride from Angel Arroyo. FORMAL SUMMATION will also be part of the early pace. 4-1-2
Race 6
NOBODY MOVE is afforded a slight edge if moved off the turf. CAPTAIN GAUGHEN is the horse to beat on the lawn, has some good races on less than firm going. GRAND SKY disappointed in last at 2-1. RUNAWAY POSSE drops in for a tag, would be no surprise. 6-2-4-11
Race 7
GOING STRONG had a rough start in last, will sit off the early pace. DOGTOWN maybe the speed of the speeds, could shake loose. PHAT MAN has raced well in the slop. 4-3-6
Race 8
SPIGA can boss these if she brings her “A” game. PRINCESS LU LU draws an outside post, will be closing late. DOUBLE DOSE seeks fourth straight victory. 5-12-2
Race 9
If Friday’s finale is moved to the main track, HARD HITTER will be tough to beat. On the lawn, KANTUNE ships in from south Florida for Mark Case, attracts Javier Castellano. IRISH PRAYER and SMOKEY BROWN should fill out exotic wagers. 14-7-5-2
