Happy Belmont Oaks Invitational Day! 

Strong card at the Spa with three graded stakes co-headlined by the Grade I Belmont Oaks Invitational and Grade III Kelso.  

Trivia question: Which horse has won “Horse of the Year” honors the most times? 

Race 10 – The Kelso Stakes – Grade III 

One Mile on the Inner Turf for Four Year Olds and Up 

1. Neat: In the Dinner Party on Preakness Day, he faltered and was eased. Looks to regain his three year old form when he won both the Manila and Hall of Fame Stakes. The mile should suit – but he has been off the boil for a while now. Maybe the Spa will wake him up. Wait and See.
2. Intellect: Has been fine in both starts for Chad Brown since coming over from France as he hit the board twice most recently in the Poker (93 Beyer) where he was left chasing Donegal Momentum – who he faces again today. All three of his career wins were over courses in France listed as “heavy” or “soft” – so he may prefer some cut in the ground. Player.
3. Think Big: Stretches out today as he has been turf sprinting where he has four wins including two triple digit Beyers in the Shakertown (101 Beyer) and the Turf Sprint Stakes (100 Beyer). Now stretches out to a mile – should be part of the pace. Lean against.
4. Donegal Momentum: Last out he wired the field in the Poker as he broke alertly and never looked back earning a Beyer top (96 Beyer). I would expect similar tactics today although he should have some company including Think Big. Three for four at eight furlongs. Contender.
5. Nantasket Beach: Four wins from five starts this year – but now he makes the jump to stakes company from optional claimers. Five wins from six career starts at today’s distance. Should sit mid-pack and come running in the lane. Could surprise.
6. Mountain Bear: Ran well for a second behind Nantasket Beach last out in his first race in Wesley Ward barn. Has hit the board in all three North American starts but has no wins from those efforts. Has hit the board five times going a mile – but hasn’t yet won. Piece of the pie.
7. Arzak: Stretches out after turf sprinting for most of his career. Irad stays aboard – but he will need to get this one to relax and get two turns against some tough ones. Lean against.
8. Win for the Money: Has been on an extended break since Pegasus Day where he ran well but wasn’t able to finish off the Turf Invitational (98 Beyer). Gelding has run well off the bench – with two of his five career wins have come in first off the layoff races. The mile may be his best distance as he won the Woodbine Mile last year with a 102 Beyer. Has a high cruising speed and can attend the pace and then finish it off. The Pick.
9. Wynstock (MTO): Did win a state bred optional claimer that was washed off the turf last month – but this one appears to be overmatched if this goes to the dirt. Passing.
10. 10. Yo Daddy (MTO): Has three wins from seven starts at a mile including one from the Wilson Chute last Summer. Likely pace setter on the Dirt. Using.
11. Bank Frenzy (MTO): Has won six times at today’s distance including a couple of recent efforts on wet tracks. Most recent effort was a nine furlong romp over state bred (97 Beyer). The Pick on Dirt.
12. Game Warden (MTO): Has been going longer including mile and a half races in his most recent two trips to the track. The mile may be a bit sharp for this one. Small slice.

Turf Picks 8-2-4-6 Dirt Picks 11-10-4-12 

Race 11 – The Belmont Oaks Invitational – Grade I 

One Mile and One Furlong on the Mellon Turf for Three Year Old Fillies 

1.Warming: Least experienced runner in the field comes here off a narrow win in N1X company at Delaware Park (76 Beyer) in her first race routing. Faces some tough ones here. Passing.   

2. Opulent Restraint: Tried to take them the whole way in the Memories of Silver at the Big A and she almost pulled it off as she re-rallied after being passed (80 Beyer). Expect her to be out in front again but she can win stalking as well. Rosario picks up the mount from Irad who moves to Virgin Colada. Possible piece at a price.
3. Totally Justified: In the Regret Stakes she was up close on a strong pace and got to the lead only to be just caught by Fionn who had a nice set up (81 Beyer). Two back was no match for Nitrogen in the Appalachian Stakes. Prefers to press the pace – and should do that today as she follows Opulent Restraint to her inside. Should cash a check. 
4. Virgin Colada: Came running late in the Memories of Silver Stakes to pick up the pieces for third (77 Beyer). Today is her second start of the year. Last year she was second in the PG Johnson over this course. Irad in the irons for Prat who is on Fionn. Underneath.
5. Fionn: Has never been off the board for Brad Cox in six career starts with four wins to date this year. That includes a recent win in the Grade 3 Regret Stakes (82 Beyer) where she closed into a strong pace and just got up over Totally Justified – who she faces again today.  Contender.
6. May Day Ready: Was a promising as a two year old winning the Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland and then finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly Turf (83 Beyer). Now she’s back on the green after her last race was washed off. Will need to improve.
7. Nitrogen: In the off the turf Wonder Again Stakes she easily handled the other two runners (91 Beyer). That was her fifth win in a row and now she moves back to the grass where she has won three graded stakes this year – the Florida Oaks, the Appalachian (88 Beyer), and the Edgewood (88 Beyer). Outside draw should help this stalker type – not that she needs the help. She’s much the best here. The Pick. 

Picks: 7-5-3-4 

Trivia Answer:  Kelso was “Horse of the Year” five years in a row 1960-1964.