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BELMONT S.na D WAYNE MENA M 126
6 CHARITABLE MAN MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P GARCIA A 126
7 MINE THAT BIRD WOOLLEY BENNIE L JR BOREL C H 126
8 FLYING PRIVATE LUKAS D WAYNE LEPAROUX JULIEN 126
9 MINER'S ESCAPE ZITO NICHOLAS P LEZCANO JOSE 126
10 BRAVE VICTORY ZITO NICHOLAS P MARAGH RAJIV 126

A strong field of 10 will do their best to endure the vast oval at Belmont Park in Saturday's $1 million Belmont S.na with a runner-up finish in the Preakness S.na.na trainee is not very fast and might burn out early trying to steal this race. The Belmont has been host to some bizarre upsets in recent history, but a win by this one might rank at the top. Miguel Mena will be in the irons.


Trainer Nick Zito has won this race twice and will send a pair of sophomores in here, occupying the outside two posts with them. Federico Tesio S. romper MINER'S ESCAPE (Mineshaft) has rolled to two consecutive wins since stretching out to 1 1/8 miles and couldn't be any sharper leading into this one. The colt has shown nice tactical speed as of late but he's beaten much cheaper than this, and we simply can't see it. BRAVE VICTORY (Lion Heart) was a distant third in the Peter Pan but did rally from well back and posted a solid 106 BRIS Late Pace figure. The problem here is, how can he make up more than five lengths on our top pick while running farther than his breeding suggests? We don't think he can.

1st-CHARITABLE MAN
2nd-SUMMER BIRD
3rd-DUNKIRK

JUST A GAME S. (G1), 7TH-BEL, $400,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1MT, 3:15 P.M. EDT, 6-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 CARRIBEAN SUNSET (IRE) CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE DOMINGUEZ R A 118
2 RAW SILK ALBERTRANI THOMAS LOPEZ PASCACIO 118
3 CAPTAIN'S LOVER (SAF) PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 118
4 I LOST MY CHOO SERPE PHILIP M LEZCANO JOSE 118
5 FOREVER TOGETHER SHEPPARD JONATHAN E LEPAROUX JULIEN 123
6 MODERN LOOK (GB) FRANKEL ROBERT J GOMEZ G K 118
7 DIAMONDRELLA (GB) PENNA ANGEL JR MARAGH RAJIV 118
8 MY PRINCESS JESS TAGG BARCLAY VELASQUEZ CORNE 118

Champion FOREVER TOGETHER (Belong to Me) leads a solid cast of eight in the $400,000 Just a Game S. (G1) at Belmont on Saturday, and the Jonathan Sheppard trainee is easily one of the best horses in training in the United States. A closing third in this race last year at huge odds, the Kentucky-bred has been on a roll since transferring to the green, including a superb tally in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). Her win in the recent Jenny Wiley S. (G2) was sublime, and her best under Julien Leparoux is too good for this talented field.

Irish import CARRIBEAN SUNSET (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) was a good second in the Beaugay S. (G3) in preparation of this for expert turf conditioner Christophe Clement, and the four-year-old looks like a probable exotics player in here. The bay was a Group 1-placed performer and crushed a Group 3 field as a three-year-old, signaling her class. Ramon Dominguez will be aboard and the pair will break from the rail.

South African Group 1 heroine CAPTAIN'S LOVER (SAf) (Captain Al) is the wildcard in the field, but Team Valor rarely misses and we'll give the import a chance in her debut for Todd Pletcher. The dark bay has miler written all over her and we have full respect for the foes she encountered last campaign, so she must be warranted at a square price beneath John Velazquez.

Juddmonte homebred and Group 2 queen MODERN LOOK (GB) (Zamindar) was a highly regarded youngster in Europe and looks more than capable of challenging for the win if she reverts to her prior form for Bobby Frankel. Second in her U.S. debut versus lesser, the lass has been well prepared for this engagement while posting four works in Elmont, New York. Garret Gomez will guide the contender.

Grade 2 vixen MY PRINCESS JESS (Stormy Atlantic) was a much the best winner of the Beaugay last out and continues to impress for Barclay Tagg. The talented filly, who was making her 2009 bow in the Beaugay, has an excellent turn of foot and seems capable of breaking through at this level at some point in her career, but from the widest post at a distance shorter than her best seems unlikely.

Impressive New York-bred I LOST MY CHOO (Western Expression) has two wins and a third at Belmont and sports three wins from five tries at this distance for Phil Serpe. The four-year-old has a sharp turn of foot, but this field is better than anything she's yet to see, and we'll have to see her do it before siding with her in a Grade 1 affair.

Turf sprint star DIAMONDRELLA (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) adds a ton of intrigue to this field for Angel Penna Jr. in her first try at longer than seven panels since the summer of 2007. The electric five-year-old was awesome at Keeneland last out and seemingly improves with every race, so the distance is not of huge concern for us in here. We are concerned about the ability of the mare to circle a Grade 1 field, though.

Grade 2 queen RAW SILK (Malibu Moon) is the likely early leader in here for Tom Albertrani, but the bay will have a hard time with this field late unless she negotiates a clear early lead under pedestrian fractions. The talented filly has never proven to be a Grade 1 animal and despite her expected early edge, we can't tab the her.

1st-FOREVER TOGETHER
2nd-CARRIBEAN SUNSET (GB)
3rd-CAPTAIN'S LOVER (SAf)

MANHATTAN H. (G1), 10TH-BEL, $400,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/4MT, 5:34 P.M. EDT, 6-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 MARSH SIDE DRYSDALE NEIL CASTELLANO J J 117
2 COURT VISION MOTT WILLIAM I DOMINGUEZ R A 120
3 PREMIUM GOLD KIMMEL JOHN C PRADO E S 113
4 GIO PONTI CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GOMEZ G K 120
5 CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB) FRANKEL ROBERT J LEPAROUX JULIEN 119
6 OPTIMER (ARG) DUTROW SYDNEY RODRIGUEZ R R 110
7 WESLEY HENNIG MARK DESORMEAUX K J 116
8 SENIOR DELOZIER JOSEPH III LUZZI M J 112
9 BETTER TALK NOW MOTION H GRAHAM ROSE J 117
10 COSMONAUT SERPE PHILIP M LEZCANO JOSE 116
11 INTERPATATION BARBARA ROBERT MARAGH RAJIV 114
12 LAURO (GER) WOHLER ANDREAS STARKE A 117
13 COWBOY CAL PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 120
14 ZAMBEZI SUN (GB) FRANKEL ROBERT J LEPAROUX JULIEN 116

A smart field of 14 turf specialists will travel 1 1/4 miles on the Belmont inner turf on Saturday in the $400,000 Manhattan H. (G1). We can go any number of ways in here, as the race looks extremely wide open. We tabbed German import LAURO (Ger) (Monsun) in his last, and while he was at a distance shorter than his preferred, he ran admirable for Andreas Wohler. The lightly raced six-year-old has good tactical speed, a decent post and the benefit of a recent prep, all while running at a distance closer to his ideal route of ground. Andrasch Starke retains the mount aboard the prime contender.

COURT VISION (Gulch) has proven that the green is his preferred surface and he's held well against top competition for Bill Mott. The late-running four-year-old is an obvious contender in this deep field and he's a Grade 2 winner in his lone effort over this turf.

COSMONAUT (Lemon Drop Kid) is due to break through at this level and looks like an intriguing play in here for Phil Serpe. The seven-year-old was a fairly easy winner in the Fort Marcy S. (G2) to prepare for his test, and he's a dual winner at this distance. We're expecting the gray to be involved early, but with the expected fast tempo, he might get compromised late. We'll still root for the Kentucky-bred and use him in all plays.

Multiple Grade 1 star BETTER TALK NOW (Talkin Man) is back for more at age 10 and is not without a shot in his second start of the year for conditioner Graham Motion. The gelded Kentucky-bred didn't run that poorly in the Elkhorn S. (G2), which was solely a prep for this, and the ageless wonder ran a big fifth in extreme traffic in this event in 2008. Jeremy Rose picks up the mount atop the dark bay.

GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) finally broke through at the Grade 1 level with a strong finish to capture the Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) last out for Christophe Clement. The talented four-year-old has always shown top ability has he's posted two wins and a second at this venue, so he seems like a logical inclusion in this field. We always thought of him more as a miler and not a 10-furlong specialist, but he's good enough to be a threat with clear sailing.

COWBOY CAL (Giant's Causeway) was a huge second in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill most recently and is in superb form for Todd Pletcher. The four-year-old, who is hung out in the 13 post, is never far from the early pace but we fear that he might get floated very wide into the first turn. The dark bay is clearly a player with his best, but we're going to take a stand against the colt on this day. WESLEY (El Prado [Ire]) has come to hand in a nice way for Mark Hennig and has moved up nicely since the addition of blinkers. The gray four-year-old closed into a slow pace to be a good third in the competitive Dixie S. (G2) last out and could get a piece of this pie with a career effort.

ZAMBEZI SUN (GB) (Dansili [GB]) has yet to live up to expectations since arriving in the Bobby Frankel barn, and we've run out of excuses for the bay five-year-old. The high-quality European performer looks like a shell of himself since coming to the United States and it's hard to back him from the widest post in this deep field. We wouldn't fault anyone for taking a stab on him at a big price in hopes that he reverts to his old form, but we can't do so. MARSH SIDE (Gone West) upset the Canadian International S. (Can-G1) in the fall for Neil Drysdale and was last seen running a better than expected fifth in Dubai. The stayer doesn't have the turn of foot at this distance to stay with these, in our opinion, and we'll omit the six-year-old from the rail.

Grade 1 victor CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB) (Danehill) didn't look the part in the Elkhorn last out for Frankel but is eligible for big improvement in this one. The six-year-old closer hasn't defeated the greatest horses in training in each of his Grade 1 scores and is far from a win machine, so we'll limit his use in the gimmicks under Julien Leparoux. INTERPATATION (Langfuhr) always fires in the lane for Robert Barbara, but has yet to prove that he can be a major player at this level. The five-year-old has 39 losses in his career, and while we don't fancy him on top, we won't discount his chances for a minor award at boxcar odds.

PREMIUM GOLD (Mineshaft) wired an allowance/optional claiming group in his latest effort for John Kimmel, which happened to be his turf debut. The chestnut should be in the mix early, but we can't see him getting a call in the lane. OPTIMER (Arg) (Incurable Optimist) is likely placed in here to insure a useful early tempo for his stablemate Court Vision, but the seven-year-old has questionable speed and has no real chance. We just hope the outclassed, overmatched dark bay doesn't get in any contenders way. SENIOR (Arch) was dispatched in the Dixie and looks outclassed against these.

1st-LAURO (Ger)
2nd-COURT VISION
3rd-COSMONAUT

ACORN S.na D WAYNE MENA M 121
4 FUNNY MOON CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GARCIA A 121
5 DOREMIFASOLLATIDO JERKENS JAMES A COA E M 121
6 LIVIN LOVIN KLESARIS STEVE DOMINGUEZ R A 121
7 DREAM PLAY MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P MIGLIORE R 121
8 JUSTWHISTLEDIXIE MCLAUGHLIN KIARAN P LEPAROUX JULIEN 121
9 FOUR GIFTS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M ALBARADO R J 121

A good field of nine will seek Grade 1 glory in the $300,000 Acorn S.na. The Florida-bred drilled a bullet six furlongs at Churchill in advance of this and seems like a perfect fit at this trip, but she's facing a stellar cast on this occasion. We think highly of the dark bay and tab her for a minor award at a square price.

DOREMIFASOLLATIDO (Bernstein) will make her sophomore debut in here for Jimmy Jerkens, and the Grade 2 queen is a prime threat if she's ready in her second off the bench. The sharp New York-bred has a good running style for this race and the benefit of a recent prep, and while her last wasn't anything to write home about, it should be enough to have her fit for this. Jerkens is fantastic with second-time starters and with horses making their second off the layoff, so we'll assume this one is going to fire under Eibar Coa.

The speedy DREAM PLAY (Hennessy) is a unique talent in that she can blaze early, but also proved that she can handle one mile, as she did in her Comely S. (G2) whitewashing. Also conditioned by McLaughlin, the Kentucky-bred has familiarity with this surface, winning her debut here, and has earned BRIS Speed numbers of 100, 101 and 101 in her last trio of endeavors. If, and this is a big if, the filly clears early and dictates, she'll be hard to reel in. We fear that early pressure could be her undoing, though. Richard Migliore will be in the irons.

Sunland Park Oaks heroine GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro) found the Kentucky Oaks a bit much for her and is placed in another tough spot by Bob Baffert. The talented filly has brilliant early speed and caught on our eye when making two moves in a maiden sprint win, and this distance should suit her just fine. She's by the right sire, has the right conditioner, and has the right running style for the one-turn mile. Javier Castellano will ride.

CASANOVA MOVE (Langfuhr) is still just a maiden winner but has kept excellent company for Jerkens. The three-time Grade 2-placed miss was third in her career debut against a solid group over this oval and has progressed nicely to this point. Her steadiness makes her an exotics threat at a nice price.

We love the aggressive move to place FUNNY MOON (Malibu Moon) in this spot off a first-level allowance win by Christophe Clement, and we rarely overlook that trainer when he makes a move as bold as this. The talented chestnut rallied well to be second in her debut at Gulfstream and has won twice since, including a handy three-length win over this strip most recently. Alan Garcia will pilot the intriguing prospect.

FOUR GIFTS (Even the Score) has rolled home in a pair of Grade 3 tilts for Steve Asmussen and should not be overlooked in this excellent field. The gray Kentucky-bred has enough speed to be in the picture early and seemingly always puts something in late, and while she might not be Grade 1 material, her chances at a top-three finish seem quite possible from he widest post. Robby Albarado will ride the consistent sophomore, who has posted two wins and a third from three tries at this trip.

1st-LIVIN LOVIN
2nd-JUSTWHISTLEDIXIE
3rd-BE FAIR

CHARLES WHITTINGHAM MEMORIAL H. (G1), 9TH-HOL, $300,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/4MT, 4:40 P.M. PDT, 6-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 UNION AVENUE HOLLENDORFER JERRY BEJARANO R 114
2 MIDSHIPS FRANKEL ROBERT J ESPINOZA V 118
3 LIQUIDITY O'NEILL DOUG BAZE T C 112
4 GLOBETROTTER SADLER JOHN W TALAMO JOSEPH 113
5 MADEO SHIRREFFS JOHN SMITH M E 119
6 ARTISTE ROYAL (IRE) DRYSDALE NEIL ROSARIO JOEL 118

ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill) will look to defend his title in Saturday's $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1), and we expect him to return to his winning ways. The eight-year-old did open 2009 with a game score in the San Marcos S. (G2), but he's suffered tough trips in his last two outings.

The Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) was probably a little short for him two starts back, but he was rallying into contention before being steadied in the stretch, eventually finishing only two lengths back in fifth. In the San Luis Rey H. (G2) last time, the bay ridgling cost himself any chance with a stumbling start. Trainer Neil Drysdale probably felt snake-bit both times, but Artiste Royal has the talent to make amends with a victory on Saturday. The classy veteran loves the 1 1/4-mile distance, and his BRIS Speed and Pace numbers remain strong this season. Joel Rosario will pick up the mount, and the Irish-bred will be rolling late.

MIDSHIPS (Mizzen Mast) has really come on for Bobby Frankel, winning the San Juan Capistrano Invitational H. (G2) and San Luis Rey in wire-to-wire fashion in his last two starts, and he'll look to take these rivals all the way on the engine. It's tough to string three consecutive wire-to-wire victories together on the turf, and the gray four-year-old could be pushed a little more in the early going here. Midships remains a very dangerous threat, however.

MADEO (Mizzen Mast) drew attention a couple of weeks back when Mike Smith gave up the mount on Mine That Bird (Birdstone) to ride him here, and the Grade 2-winning colt is eligible to deliver a strong showing off a fine score in the April 26 Inglewood H. (G3) over the course. The John Shirreffs pupil is going well presently, but he did struggle against better company last season. We're not convinced that he's good enough to beat our top two choices on Saturday, but we won't be shocked to see him prove us wrong.

GLOBETROTTER (Street Cry [Ire]) will enter on the upswing for John Sadler, recording a solid allowance score last time in his second start back off a 16-month layoff, and the added ground should be no problem with his pedigree. The four-year-old stalker figures to sit a good trip under new rider Joe Talamo, and we give him a shot for part.

UNION AVENUE (Gone West) owns some back class and returned from a lengthy layoff with a smart victory over allowance/optional claiming rivals last out on April 22. We won't be surprised to see him continue to improve this season for Jerry Hollendorfer, but his Speed and Class ratings are a little light and this distance doesn't look like the best fit for the six-year-old. LIQUIDITY (Tiznow) could add to the pace in his turf debut, but we can't recommend his chances in such a difficult spot.

1st-ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire)
2nd-MIDSHIPS
3rd-MADEO

TRUE NORTH H.na D WAYNE LEPAROUX JULIEN 114
3 TWO STEP SALSA *SUROOR SAEED BIN GOMEZ G K 119
4 SIXTHIRTEEN HUSHION MICHAEL E COA E M 114
5 DESERT KEY JERKENS JAMES A VELAZQUEZ J R 115
6 FABULOUS STRIKE BEATTIE TODD M DOMINGUEZ R A 122

A Breeders' Cup-quality field of six will sprint six panels in the $250,000 True North H.na charge would need a career best to threaten this field. A winner in four of 22 lifetime tries, the four-year-old will likely be in the second flight early before putting in his winning bid, but we'll let him beat us in here.

SIXTHIRTEEN (Dixie Union) broke his maiden almost exactly one year ago but is facing infinitely different animals on this day for Michael Hushion. The bay five-year-old has always been fast, but he's not in great form at the current time and we'll look elsewhere for our winner.

1st-FABULOUS STRIKE
2nd-TWO STEP SALSA
3rd-DESERT KEY

WOODY STEPHENS S. (G2), 8TH-BEL, $250,000, 3YO, 7F, 3:59 P.M. EDT, 6-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 THIS ONES FOR PHIL DUTROW RICHARD E GOMEZ G K 123
2 GONE ASTRAY MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III PRADO E S 117
3 MUNNINGS PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 117
4 REGAL RANSOM *SUROOR SAEED BIN GARCIA A 123
5 TRIUMPHANT FLIGHT KRULJAC J ERIC DESORMEAUX K J 121
6 HELLO BROADWAY TAGG BARCLAY DOMINGUEZ R A 117
7 KENSEI ASMUSSEN STEVEN M ALBARADO R J 117
8 EVERYDAY HEROES RITCHEY TIM F CARABALLO J C 123
9 HULL ROMANS DALE MENA M 123

A superb field of sophomores will vie in the seven-furlong, $250,000 Woody Stephens S. (G2) on Saturday at Belmont Park. A pair of unbeaten runners, EVERYDAY HEROES (Awesome Again) and HULL (Holy Bull), will likely vie for the favoritism role, but we'll tab another for a mild upset.

Dual Grade 1-placed MUNNINGS (Speightstown) ran a big race on Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill last out, finishing well clear in second behind a top runner, and we'll give the Todd Pletcher pupil top billing in here. A $1.7 million two-year-old purchase, the three-year-old was a fine debut winner at Saratoga and followed with placings in the Hopeful S. (G1) and Champagne S. (G1), the latter over this oval. We're more than willing to forgive the colt for his flop in his two-turn and synthetic debut at Santa Anita. John Velazquez will ride.

Everyday Heroes rolled home against a nice group in the Hirsch Jacobs S. (G3) last out to win his fourth straight for Tim Ritchey, and the colt looks like a major player in here as well. The bay has yet to venture beyond six furlongs, but the way he's putting his fields away suggests that this trip should be well within reach. The superb Kentucky-bred should be just off the early pace before getting the jump on many of the closers turning for home. Jose Caraballo retains the mount.

THIS ONE'S FOR PHIL (Untuttable) is a high-caliber, consistent sophomore for Richard Dutrow, and he could be a square price in this dash. The Florida-bred turned heads with an eye-popping score in the Sunshine Millions Dash in his seasonal debut, and he's looked good since, taking the Swale S. (G2) and finishing a fine second in the Withers S. (G3) last out. The chestnut will be coming late under Garrett Gomez.

Kentucky Derby (G1) eighth REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor) ran his best race when taking the U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2) two back prior to faltering late at Churchill last out for Saeed bin Suroor. The speedy sophomore is much better at this distance and is yet another contender in this wide-open event beneath Alan Garcia.

HELLO BROADWAY (Broken Vow) added blinkers last out and ran off early in the Peter Pan S. (G2), eventually finishing fourth. The mercurial colt has always looked like a top horse but has yet to break through with a signature score for Barclay Tagg. We know the chestnut has a ton of talent and we like this distance for him, so we'll give him a chance beneath Ramon Dominguez.

Derby Trial S. (G3) romper Hull has yet to be tested for Dale Romans, streaking to a trio of facile wins to start his career. The colt was wisely withdrawn from the Preakness S. (G1) in favor of this spot, and while the move seems right, we still think that the dark bay is a bit up against it versus these foes. We have no idea if the colt will respond when challenged, but he's sure to face pressure in here and we'll assume that he regresses some in his toughest race to date. Miguel Mena will break from the widest post atop the Kentucky-bred.

We've always liked GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) some but the Shug McGaughey trainee will need a career showing to upend this tested group. We're not overly concerned about his failure to place in two tries at this venue as both tries were in graded company, but he still seems a cut below the best in here, and his lone inclusion will be in the vertical exotics.

Dual stakes star TRIUMPHANT FLIGHT (Chullo [Arg]) has never been worse than second for Eric Kruljac and we like the aggressive move to ship the California-bred into this spot. The dark bay took his lone dirt start to date against lesser foes and doesn't have the advantage of a local work, but if the price is huge, take a flier on the colt with Kent Desormeaux.

Derby Trial runner-up KENSEI (Mr. Greeley) has a lot of potential and could peak in his third off the shelf for Steve Asmussen, but we simply can't endorse the sophomore against this fantastic field.

1st-MUNNINGS
2nd-EVERYDAY HEROES
3rd-THIS ONE'S FOR PHIL

MINT JULEP H. (G3), 10TH-CD, $100,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/16MT, 5:30 P.M. EDT, 6-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 PURE CLAN HOLTHUS ROBERT E BRIDGMOHAN S X 122
2 IN MY GLORY MIRANDA EFRAIN CASTANON J L 113
3 ACOMA CARROLL DAVID LANERIE C J 120
4 SUGAR BABY LOVE (GER) NICKS RALPH E COURT J K 114
5 CLOSEOUT PROCTOR THOMAS F MELANCON L 116
6 DAY OF VICTORY HOLTHUS ROBERT E STERLING L J JR 114
7 TIZAQUEENA STIDHAM MICHAEL HERNANDEZ B J J 119

Saturday's Mint Julep H. (G3) at Churchill Downs will feature a good field. American Oaks Invitational (G1) winner PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) will make her 2009 debut, and the front-running TIZAQUEENA (Tiznow) exits an excellent score in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile S. (G2) on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard. We like both fillies, but we'll tab ACOMA (Empire Maker) for top honors.

Trained by David Carroll, Acoma ran extremely well when annexing the Valley View S. (G3) and Mrs. Revere S. (G2) last season, with the latter coming under the Twin Spires. Those are her only two turf starts, and we feel it's by far her best surface. The four-year-old lass got the opportunity to show her abilities on dirt earlier this season, opening 2009 with an easy five-length tally in the Azeri S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park, but she was no factor as the 2-5 choice in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last out, checking in a well-beaten third. Saturday's surface switch will give her the opportunity for a drastic turnaround off that effort. Acoma registered strong BRIS numbers while relishing the sod last year, and we'll look for her to be along in time here.

Tizaqueena has trained forwardly since winning her graded debut by three parts of a length. The improving Michael Stidham trainee brings a four-race winning streak into this event and can continue to make a statement while meeting a stronger field. Brian Hernandez will replace the suspended Jamie Theriot, and Tizaqueena doesn't need the early lead to prove effective. We have plenty of respect for current form and won't be surprised to see her keep things going with another victory.

Pure Clan is a serious threat with her back class, but the 1 1/16-mile distance could prove a little short for her off the shelf. The Bob Holthus runner owns terrific BRIS Speed and Late Pace figures, but the confirmed closer will be returning in a tough spot. We'll have to let her beat us.

CLOSEOUT (Repriced) will make her first appearance since finishing fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1). The Grade 3 winner could develop into any kind this season for Tom Proctor, but this looks more like a tightener for upcoming starts. She can't be counted out of top three consideration, but we'll look for more down the road from her.

SUGAR BABY LOVE (Ger) (Second Empire [Ire]) probably needs an easier spot to be effective. IN MY GLORY (Honour and Glory) figures to add to the pace, but we can't envision her sustaining her speed.

1st-ACOMA
2nd-TIZAQUEENA
3rd-PURE CLAN

ACK ACK H.na'S DANCER O'NEILL DOUG ESPINOZA V 110
3 MUTAK GOLD HOLLENDORFER JERRY GRYDER A T 115
4 DAVOS O'NEILL DOUG BAZE T C 113
5 PRUSSIAN MITCHELL MIKE SMITH M E 115
6 DOPPIO GAINES CARLA SOLIS A 115
7 PAUL'S HOPE HOLLENDORFER JERRY TALAMO JOSEPH 115
8 RUSH WITH THUNDER AVILA A C QUINONEZ ALONSO 109
9 SIERRA SUNSET BONDE JEFF GARCIA MARTIN 119
10 LIBERIAN FREIGHTER DRYSDALE NEIL BEJARANO R 120
11 STAR NICHOLAS EURTON PETER BAZE M C 116

Eleven sprinters are set for Saturday's $100,000 Ack Ack H.na'S DANCER (Luhuk) dropped to the $25,000 level to secure a win last out. He's probably overmatched here. RUSH WITH THUNDER (Tribal Rule) is also facing a difficult class hike.

1st-NOBLE COURT
2nd-LIBERIAN FREIGHTER
3rd-DOPPIO

Belmont Park - June 6, 2009


Race: 1

6 Furlongs (Dirt) | Open | 3 yos & up Allowance | Purse: $53,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
10 10 Toque Rajiv Maragh 100.na Calvin H. Borel 97.53
11 11 Precursor Michael J. Luzzi 96.71
16 15 Overextended Alan Garcia 95.86
15 1A Haitian Sensation Rajiv Maragh 93.51



Race: 6

True North H. (G2) | 6 Furlongs (Dirt) | Open | 3 yos & up Stakes | Purse: $250,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
5 5 Desert Key John R. Velazquez 100.00
4 4 Sixthirteen Eibar Coa 99.99
6 6 Fabulous Strike Ramon A. Dominguez 99.93
1 1 Benny the Bull Edgar S. Prado 99.70
2 2 Silver Edition Julien R. Leparoux 98.86
3 3 Two Step Salsa Garrett K. Gomez 97.81



Race: 7

Just a Game S. (G1) | 1 Mile (Turf) | F & M (fillies and mares) | 3 yos & up Stakes | Purse: $400,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
5 5 Forever Together Julien R. Leparoux 100.00
4 4 I Lost My Choo Jose Lezcano 99.60
2 2 Raw Silk Paco Lopez 99.55
7 7 Diamondrella (GB) Rajiv Maragh 98.51
1 1 Carribean Sunset (IRE) Ramon A. Dominguez 98.35
8 8 My Princess Jess Cornelio H. Velasquez 97.52
6 6 Modern Look (GB) Garrett K. Gomez 96.71
3 3 Captain's Lover (SAF) John R. Velazquez N/A



Race: 8

Woody Stephens S. (G2) | 7 Furlongs (Dirt) | Open | 3 yo Stakes | Purse: $250,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
1 2 This Ones for Phil Garrett K. Gomez 100.00
8 1A Everyday Heroes Jose C. Caraballo 98.64
6 6 Hello Broadway Ramon A. Dominguez 98.52
2 3 Gone Astray Edgar S. Prado 97.64
3 4 Munnings John R. Velazquez 97.49
4 1 Regal Ransom Alan Garcia 97.27
9 8 Hull Miguel Mena 96.77
7 7 Kensei Robby Albarado 95.97
5 5 Triumphant Flight Kent J. Desormeaux 95.79



Race: 9

Acorn S. (G1) | 1 Mile (Dirt) | F (fillies) | 3 yo Stakes | Purse: $300,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
4 4 Funny Moon Alan Garcia 100.00
5 5 Doremifasollatido Eibar Coa 99.06
8 8 Justwhistledixie Julien R. Leparoux 98.94
6 6 Livin Lovin Ramon A. Dominguez 98.79
7 7 Dream Play Richard Migliore 98.49
9 9 Four Gifts Robby Albarado 98.02
1 1 Casanova Move Jose Lezcano 97.20
2 2 Gabby's Golden Gal Javier Castellano 96.12
3 3 Be Fair Miguel Mena 95.67



Race: 10

Woodford Reserve Manhattan H. (G1) | 1 1/4 Miles (Inner turf) | Open | 3 yos & up Stakes | Purse: $400,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
12 11 Lauro (GER) Andrasch Starke 100.00
7 6 Wesley Kent J. Desormeaux 98.58
8 7 Senior Michael J. Luzzi 97.54
9 8 Better Talk Now Jeremy Rose 96.61
1 3 Marsh Side Javier Castellano 96.21
11 10 Interpatation Rajiv Maragh 96.20
5 2 Champs Elysees (GB) Julien R. Leparoux 95.64
14 2B Zambezi Sun (GB) Julien R. Leparoux 95.63
13 12 Cowboy Cal John R. Velazquez 95.53
6 1A Optimer (ARG) Rudy R. Rodriguez 95.36
2 1 Court Vision Ramon A. Dominguez 95.36
4 5 Gio Ponti Garrett K. Gomez 94.81
10 9 Cosmonaut Jose Lezcano 93.83
3 4 Premium Gold Edgar S. Prado 92.79



Race: 11

Belmont S. (G1) | 1 1/2 Miles (Dirt) | Open | 3 yo Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
6 6 Charitable Man Alan Garcia 100.00
7 7 Mine That Bird Calvin H. Borel 99.46
10 10 Brave Victory Rajiv Maragh 98.95
9 9 Miner's Escape Jose Lezcano 98.89
2 2 Dunkirk John R. Velazquez 98.77
8 8 Flying Private Julien R. Leparoux 98.53
5 5 Luv Gov Miguel Mena 98.42
4 4 Summer Bird Kent J. Desormeaux 97.82
1 1 Chocolate Candy Garrett K. Gomez 96.96
3 3 Mr. Hot Stuff Edgar S. Prado 95.26



Race: 12

6 Furlongs (Turf) | Open | 3 yos & up Maiden Special Weight | Purse: $51,000



Post Position Program Number Horse Name Jockey Rank
11 11 Old Kit Bag Jose L. Espinoza 100.00
16 16 Graceful Afleet Richard Migliore 95.90
13 13 Afrikaner Eibar Coa 95.39
3 3 Western Connection Alan Garcia 95.04
14 14 African Knight Javier Castellano 94.91
1 1 Storm Hope Ramon A. Dominguez 94.25
15 15 Believe in Love Michael J. Luzzi 93.64
2 2 Monastir Richard Migliore 93.04
8 8 Four Star General Jorge F. Chavez 92.32
9 9 Patron Saint Raymundo D. Fuentes 92.08
5 5 Brave Soul Cornelio H. Velasquez 91.58
12 12 Rubinstein John R. Velazquez 91.29
4 4 I Sweep Tomorrows John R. Velazquez 90.42
6 6 Globemaster Rajiv Maragh FTS
7 7 Johnny Be Angry Rudy R. Rodriguez FTS
10 10 Rock and Rune Maylan Studart FTS

BELMONT S. (G1), 11TH Race
$50 to win on 6-Charitable Man

ADDING
TRIFECTA
on the 2-DUNKIRK, 6-CHARITABLE MAN, 1-CHOCOLATE CANDY