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UNITED NATIONS S.na. The four-year-old should be on or near the front early, and as long as he's not pressed in the early stages, we think he'll be tough to run down on this oft speed-favoring turf course.

Sword Dancer Invitational S. (G1) winner TELLING (A.P. Indy) has let us down since upsetting that Grade 1 field last summer, but we can excuse the well-bred bay for some of those and include him in our multi-race tickets on this day for trainer Steve Hobby. The six-year-old, a flat fifth in the Louisville H. (G3) most recently, could improve in his third start off the break and first with jockey Eibar Coa.

Monmouth stalwart GET SERIOUS (City Zip) shouldn't be dismissed in here due to his love of the local turf course for John Forbes. The gelded six-year-old has a ton of early speed and should be very forwardly placed from the opening bell, but that tactic could prove fatal if he duels early at a distance foreign to him. The recent Monmouth S. (G3) star is in excellent form but could be up against it with the abundance of pace in here.

We've long awaited Grade 1-placed LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein) to break through at this level, and while we don't want to miss out if he tops this bunch and pays a bundle, we simply can't endorse him from the widest post. STRAIGHT STORY (Giant's Causeway) also has some early speed but will likely tuck in just behind the leaders early. The dark bay four-year-old has dominated two overmatched fields in 2010 but gets a real test in here. We're not sure if he's ready to top a field of this caliber. Brazilian Group 1 import JEUNE-TURC (Brz) (Know Heights [Ire]) would be a surprise in his first in the United States.

1st-WINCHESTER
2nd-CHINCON (Fr)
3rd-TAKE THE POINTS

AMERICAN OAKS S. (G1), 8TH-HOL, $250,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/4MT, 4:35 P.M. PDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 RIVIERA CHIC LLOYD JAMES ESPINOZA V 121
2 ANTARES WORLD SPECHT STEVE ALVARADO F T 121
3 WEEKEND MAGIC CHO MYUNG KWON QUINONEZ ALONSO 121
4 HARMONIOUS SHIRREFFS JOHN GARCIA MARTIN 121
5 CITY TO CITY HOLLENDORFER JERRY ROSARIO JOEL 121
6 ANDINA (IRE) CECIL B D A BEJARANO R 121
7 CONNIPTION (IRE) CALLAGHAN SIMON BLANC B 121
8 COZI ROSIE SADLER JOHN W SMITH M E 121

COZI ROSIE (Pleasantly Perfect) is the logical choice in Saturday's $250,000 American Oaks (G1) at Hollywood, and we won't go against the talented filly. A homebred racing for Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss, Cozi Rosie flashed talent earlier in her career on synthetic, but really blossomed once trainer John Sadler switched her to turf. The rangy chestnut was virtually eliminated when snatched up in the Providencia S. (G2) in her turf debut, making it a total toss-out. In her next two, Cozi Rosie showed a relentless late kick to capture the one-mile Senorita S. (G3) and fell a head shy of catching a loose-on-the-lead Evening Jewel (Northern Afleet) in the 1 1/8-mile Honeymoon H. (G2) last out. Both her pedigree and running style strongly suggest that she'll love the chance to run 1 1/4 miles, so Cozi Rosie is well placed to earn her first Grade 1 credit with regular rider Mike Smith.

ANDINA (Ire) (Singspiel [Ire]) has been fairly consistent while racing over distances too short to suit her. The Ben Cecil trainee placed in three straight stakes -- the China Doll S., Providencia and Senorita -- but failed to deliver her closing punch when dead-heating for fourth in the Honeymoon. Andina tried to stalk that day, however, and is expected to revert to her one-run tactic Saturday. She stands to improve markedly for the step up in trip, and rates as the likeliest upset candidate. Rafael Bejarano picks up the mount.

The versatile ANTARES WORLD (Decarchy) is a stakes winner on synthetic in the California Oaks as well as on turf in the Golden Poppy S. at Golden Gate. The Steve Specht pupil is at her very best when she is forwardly placed, and with a slow pace likely in the American Oaks, she figures to lie close. Antares World should get first run on the deep-closing Cozi Rosie and Andina, and there's enough stamina sprinkled throughout her pedigree to hint that she'll stay the distance. She also enters in great form, judging by her bullet work over Golden Gate's Tapeta on Sunday.

The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained CITY TO CITY (City Zip) has danced every dance for sophomore turf fillies on this circuit, and she has yet to run a bad race on the grass. The winner of the China Doll and Providencia, she exits a pair of thirds in the Senorita and Honeymoon. Those losses lead us to believe that she's reached her plateau. We'll take a stand against as a win candidate, but we won't leave her out of our exotics.

Recent allowance winner CONNIPTION (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is a bit of an unknown quantity in her American stakes bow for Simon Callaghan. The bay wasn't able to make her presence felt in a pair of stakes in Great Britain last season, but she's eligible to do much better in a more congenial environment. The Michael Tabor colorbearer is also exceptionally well bred. HARMONIOUS (Dynaformer) is another well-bred wildcard in here. Two-for-two on turf, the John Shirreffs pupil will face a class test in her stakes debut. She could be any kind.

RIVIERA CHIC (Medaglia d'Oro), who is likely to show speed from the rail, was well beaten by Harmonious in an allowance last time. WEEKEND MAGIC (Ecton Park) has picked a tough spot for her first race against winners, and on turf.

1st-COZI ROSIE
2nd-ANDINA (Ire)
3rd-ANTARES WORLD

SUBURBAN H. (G2), 9TH-BEL, $300,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/8M, 5:16 P.M. EDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 ELDAAFER ALVARADO DIANE VALDIVIA J JR 114
2 CONVOCATION JERKENS JAMES A DESORMEAUX K J 115
3 PICTURAL DUTROW RICHARD E LUZZI M J 110
4 I WANT REVENGE DUTROW RICHARD E TALAMO JOSEPH 119
5 UNBRIDLED DANGER YOUNG ROBERT S RODRIGUEZ JAMIE 108
6 REGAL RANSOM *SUROOR SAEED BIN GARCIA A 118
7 HAYNESFIELD ASMUSSEN STEVEN M DOMINGUEZ R A 115

Saturday marks the return of Grade 1 hero I WANT REVENGE (Stephen Got Even), who leads a field of seven in the $300,000 Suburban H. (G2) at Belmont Park. Now in the hands of Richard Dutrow, the dark bay was the leading 2009 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender before injury cut his season short, and has trained well in advance of this. However, he is being asked to do a lot off the bench and we like the probable second-choice, dual Grade/Group 2 victor REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor).

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, Regal Ransom has not been seen since finishing eighth after setting the pace in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) but returns to his preferred dirt surface in here. The dark bay colt has excellent tactical speed and should relish the one-turn, nine furlongs in this event. Alan Garcia has the call atop the top threat.

I Want Revenge hasn't missed a work since April and has the raw ability to take this field down with pilot Joe Talamo, but we can't bite at an odds-on price on this day. With that said, a win by the Kentucky-bred would not come as a surprise.

CONVOCATION (Pulpit) has run three nice races in 2010, earning 100+ Speed figures in each start, and deserves a chance in this field. The James Jerkens trainee has failed in his only pair of 1 1/8-mile tries to date, but he's in good form and doesn't have to beat a whole lot to earn a placing in here. Kent Desormeaux has the assignment.

Top Empire State-bred HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown) has won seven of his last nine starts and sports a healthy 4-3-1-0 mark at Big Sandy. The Steve Asmussen trainee has very good positional speed, has earned triple-digit BRIS Speed numbers in three straight and has won both tries at this distance. He's an obvious top-three player with Ramon Dominguez.

Smart stayer ELDAAFER (A.P. Indy) was a solid third in the Brooklyn H. (G2) most recently but likely lacks the acceleration to win at this trip. UNBRIDLED DANGER (Unbridled's Song) has been losing against lesser allowance starter company of late. We can't recommend. PICTURAL (El Prado [Ire]), a stablemate of I Want Revenge, was well beaten by $50,000 claimers last out and is likely just a pace presence.

1st-REGAL RANSOM
2nd-I WANT REVENGE
3rd-CONVOCATION

SALVATOR MILE S.na OF MISCHIEF FAWKES DAVID COA E M 123
5 GONE ASTRAY MCGAUGHEY CLAUDE III VELASQUEZ CORNE 117

A compact, yet very accomplished field of five will go one mile in the Salvator Mile S.na OF MISCHIEF (Graeme Hall) looked the part in bagging the Oaklawn H.na OF MISCHIEF
3rd-YOU AND I FOREVER

ROYAL HEROINE MILE S. (G2), 4TH-HOL, $150,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1MT, 2:32 P.M. PDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 U R ALL THAT I AM HOLLENDORFER JERRY BEJARANO R 117
2 GOTTA HAVE HER SAHADI JENINE BAZE T C 121
3 ROSEY DE MEGEVE (GB) POWELL LEONARD GARCIA MARTIN 117
4 SPRING STYLE (IRE) CECIL B D A QUINONEZ ALONSO 117
5 BURG BERG GONZALEZ JUAN PACO ROSARIO JOEL 117
6 EXQUISITE (NZ) GALLAGHER PATRICK ESPINOZA V 117

Although Saturday's $150,000 Royal Heroine Mile (G2) has attracted a short field of six, there should be an honest pace to set things up for GOTTA HAVE HER (Royal Academy) at Hollywood Park. The Jenine Sahadi veteran finished third in this race last year, beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Tuscan Evening (Ire) (Oasis Dream [GB]), and the grassy contest came up a bit lighter this time around. Gotta Have Her does not enter in as sharp a form as she did in 2009, but she has been training sharply of late. With her abundant back class as a Grade 2 winner, and runner-up in last season's John C. Mabee S. (G1) and Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, we'll take a stab that she's ready to peak in her third start of the campaign. The late-running Gotta Have Her, who has hit the board in all but one of nine starts at this distance, will reunite with Tyler Baze on Saturday.

U R ALL THAT I AM (Valid Wager) has been on a roll for Jerry Hollendorfer. Since just missing to Unzip Me (City Zip) in the Irish O'Brien S., she has rallied to capture the B. Thoughtful S. on Cushion Track and the Fran's Valentine S. at this course and distance. All three came versus fellow California-breds, but she is talented and consistent enough to handle open company. U R All That I Am will launch her bid before Gotta Have Her, and it won't be a surprise if the stalker fends off the closer.

ROSEY DE MEGEVE (GB) (Efisio) was a strong runner-up in the course-and-distance Redondo Beach S. last out. She went down by a head to Turning Top (Ire) (Pivotal), who boosted the form when coming back to claim the Beverly Hills H. (G3). Rosey de Megeve might have been flattered by the ridiculously slow pace she set that day, however, and a similar scenario is unlikely to play out on Saturday.

In the circumstances, EXQUISITE (NZ) (Golan [Ire]) did well to close for fourth in the Redondo Beach, making some late gain to lose by a grand total of three-quarters of a length. The Paddy Gallagher mare doesn't look good enough to win this, but she's capable enough on her day and is qualified to get up for a minor award. BURG BERG (Johannesburg), the likely pacesetter, hasn't been able to close the deal versus lesser in allowance company. Still, she'll be in the hunt until deep stretch and could hang on for a slice. SPRING STYLE (Ire) (Pivotal) has questions to answer at this level.

1st-GOTTA HAVE HER
2nd-U R ALL THAT I AM
3rd-ROSEY DE MEGEVE (GB)

BASHFORD MANOR S. (G3), 10TH-CD, $100,000, 2YO, 6F, 5:26 P.M. EDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 GOLD FOR CASH DEMERITTE LARRY COURT J K 118
2 SPEED DEMON CALHOUN WILLIAM BRET THERIOT H J II 118
3 KANTHAROS ASMUSSEN STEVEN M ALBARADO R J 118
4 SATURDAY DANCE DEMERITTE LARRY LEBRON VICTOR 116
5 LOU BRISSIE HOWARD NEIL J LANERIE C J 122
6 THEWAYITUSEDTOBE FLORES RAFAEL I FELIX J E 118

Did jockey Robby Albarado make the right choice for Saturday's $100,000 Bashford Manor S. (G3) at Churchill Downs? The answer was affirmative for last week's Debutante S. (G3), when Albarado chose the eventual winner, Just Louise (Five Star Day), over favorite Salty Strike (Smart Strike) in a choice among mounts he had previously ridden. The situation is the same for the six-furlong Bashford Manor, as Albarado was aboard for the maiden wins of the two likely favorites, LOU BRISSIE (Limehouse) and KANTHAROS (Lion Heart). Here he chooses Kantharos, and we'll side with Albarado on this one.

Albarado has ridden Horses of the Year for trainers Neil Howard and Steve Asmussen, who condition the two favorites, but Asmussen is the one with more recent success in the Bashford Manor, having conditioned 2004 winner Lunarpal and 2007 hero Kodiak Kowboy. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Albarado sticks with the Asmussen-trained Kantharos, who crushed his opposition by nearly 12 lengths in his May 13 debut in the slop. He was subsequently flattered by the next-out victory of runner-up GOLD FOR CASH (Eurosilver), and it appears Kantharos will rate just behind that one and get the early jump on Lou Brissie.

Howard trains Lou Brissie for Dogwood Stable. This is the same team that won the 1989 Bashford Manor with Summer Squall, who would go on to win the Preakness S. (G1) and other top events. Lou Brissie was just up to take his maiden at Keeneland in mid-April, then returned two weeks later to win the Kentucky Juvenile S. (G3) over this track. Albarado was not aboard for the latter win, but probably had his choice here and seems comfortable in choosing the colt with more tactical foot. Lou Brissie looks tough, but we'll take Kantharos to beat him to the punch.

SATURDAY DANCE (Roman Ruler) is still a maiden, but made steady advancement in his second-career start on June 19. Making a four-wide bid around the turn, he gradually moved up to second by the finish and might benefit from the faster pace expected in this race.

Gold For Cash and SPEED DEMON (Bluegrass Cat), who dons blinkers, might or might not turn out to be pace casualties as both are front runners and the track could come up lightning quick as it did Debutante day given ideal weather in the area. Of course, the speed held on pretty well in the Debutante despite the insane early pace, so either or both of these could still be in the mix near the end. At any rate, we're not convinced they have the quality of either Kanatharos or Lou Brissie to pull off the upset.

THEWAYITUSEDTOBE (Sunday Break [Jpn]), a three-length debut winner at Arlington, is the only other member of the Bashford Manor field. You'll have to excuse us for siding against a gelding who beat Illinois-breds on Polytrack moving into this spot.

1st-KANTHAROS
2nd-LOU BRISSIE
3rd-SATURDAY DANCE

LOCUST GROVE H. (G3), 9TH-CD, $100,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1MT, 4:54 P.M. EDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 WINTER'S CIRCLE BUGGE ROBERT J ROSSI ORIANA 106
2 AWESOME GRANNIE NIHEI MICHELLE LENCLUD FREDERI 114
3 SWEETEST SONG NAFZGER CARL A BOREL C H 113
4 ACOMA CARROLL DAVID ALBARADO R J 121
5 MEADOW SAFFRON SEITZ FRED LEBRON VICTOR 116
6 DANZON BAKER JAMES SOLIS A 116
7 KEERTANA PROCTOR THOMAS F MENA M 120
8 WAR TIGRESS THORNBURY JEFF LANERIE C J 113
9 HAPPINESS IS PROCTOR THOMAS F KUNTZWEILER G 114
10 LADY'S LAUGHTER LOPRESTI CHARLES BRIDGMOHAN S X 114
11 C. S. SILK ROMANS DALE TORRES F C 115
12 GO ASK ALEX GLENNEY JOHN COURT J K 109

A well-matched group of 12 turf distaffers will line up on Saturday in the $100,000 Locust Grove H. (G3) at Churchill Downs, and the one-mile turf test features the rematch of ACOMA (Empire Maker) and KEERTANA (Johar). The pair met in the Mint Julep H. (G3) under the Twin Spires last out, with Acoma getting her head in front of Keertana on the wire to take second. Keertana actually led in the stretch of that 8 1/2-furlong affair before being passed late, and could use the slight cutback here to score, but we're going with Acoma to once again hit the line first.

Trained by David Carroll, Acoma is a Grade 2 winner over the course and closed out 2009 with a victory in the Cardinal H. (G3) here. The five-year-old bay earned a nice 102 BRIS Speed rating for that score, and has posted triple-digit BRIS Late Pace ratings in her past two. She excels at this level of competition and owns a 4-3-1-0 mark over the Churchill turf. Our only concern is the distance, as she is used to going 1 1/16 miles more often than not, but we think Acoma has the talent to add this one to her already impressive resume. Robby Albarado has the call.

Like Acoma, Keertana owns an excellent record on the Churchill turf (6-3-2-1) and hasn't finished off-the-board in her past 12 starts. She captured last year's Regret S. (G3) under the Twin Spires and was a neck winner of a turf allowance at Keeneland on April 11 to begin her four-year-old season. The Tom Proctor-conditioned dark bay garnered a 101 Speed figure for that one and should be close to the pace throughout. Keertana will be tough to hold off at the end under Miguel Mena.

C. S. SILK (Medaglia d'Oro) ran second to Keertana in an allowance/optional claimer over the course to open the year on May 9 and could find herself filling out the trifecta here for trainer Dale Romans. The dark bay four-year-old has been working well over the course of late and has the past form to make a run in the exotics.

DANZON (Royal Academy) was claimed out of a June 4 allowance/optional claiming score over course and distance, and will be making her first start for new trainer James Baker in this one. The seven-year-old mare has now won three of her last four turf tries and earned a nice 95 Speed rating for that recent allowance victory. The Grade/Group 3 veteran has been well spotted here and will likely offer up nice odds. She could make a place for herself in the top three. WAR TIGRESS (War Chant) was second to Danzon in that allowance in her third start off a near year-long break. The four-year-old's last win came in the 2008 Caressing H. over course and distance, and she could continue to move forward from the long layoff.

MEADOW SAFFRON (Military) successfully defended her title in the Indiana Live! Casino S. last out on yielding turf. That was her first win since taking the 2009 edition of that race, but a place in the bottom of the gimmicks is not out of the question. LADY'S LAUGHTER (Distorted Humor) was third behind Meadow Saffron in that stakes in her first try on turf and could earn a check in this spot as well. SWEETEST SONG (Unbridled's Song) will be making her stakes bow here off a nice second against allowance rivals under the Twin Spires. An upset is a possibility with Calvin Borel in the saddle, but we're just going to tab for a share.

AWESOME GRANNIE (Awesome Again) was a troubled sixth in the Indiana Live! Casino S. and might be out of her class against these. HAPPINESS IS (Dynaformer) hasn't been all that competitive against stakes competition of late. We can't recommend. We can see GO ASK ALEX (Afleet Alex) leading this early, but not hanging around at the end. WINTER'S CIRCLE (Commendable) doesn't appear fast enough to keep up.

1st-ACOMA
2nd-KEERTANA
3rd-C. S. SILK

ARLINGTON OAKS (G3), 9TH-AP, $100,000, 3YO, F, 1 1/8M, 7:42 P.M. CDT, 7-3

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 UPPERLINE STIDHAM MICHAEL BAIRD E T 118
2 CHANTILLY NAYLA CATALANO WAYNE M GRAHAM J 118
3 LAURA BABE JACKSON RICHARD EMIGH C A 118
4 AGE OF HUMOR MAKER MICHAEL J HAMILTON Q 122
5 DUNDALK DUST BLOCK CHRIS PEREZ E E 118
6 SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN PROCTOR THOMAS F CASTANON J L 118

Six sophomore fillies have been entered for Saturday's $100,000 Arlington Oaks (G3) over the Chicago oval's Polytrack, and we're tabbing AGE OF HUMOR (Distorted Humor) to rebound in a big way here. The Mike Maker-trained bay just missed by a neck in the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) on Turfway Park's version of the Polytrack, but the three-year-old miss didn't seem to care for the competition in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Dogwood S. (G3) in her last two at Churchill Downs. The return to a synthetic track and step down in class could be just what she needs to find the winner's circle at a square price. Quincy Hamilton has the call.

SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN (Najran) appears the one to beat in the Arlington Oaks off a nice second in the grassy Regret S. (G3) most recently. The Tom Proctor charge earned a 100 BRIS Speed rating for that effort, which followed a turf allowance victory at Churchill and a maiden win on Keeneland's Polytrack. The gray filly has the numbers and ability to take this one, and blew out three furlongs over the surface on Thursday. Jesus Castanon will be aboard for the first time.

DUNDALK DUST (Military) will be seeking to keep her record perfect while making her stakes bow in this spot. The dark bay filly broke her maiden on Arlington's turf last August, then wasn't seen in competition again until taking an off-the-turf allowance over the Polytrack on June 6. Her numbers aren't quite on par with others in here, but the Chris Block runner has been improving steadily and could be ready to take the next step forward under Eduardo Perez.

UPPERLINE (Maria's Mon) owns a 2-1-0 mark from four starts on synthetic tracks and is used to going a distance of ground following a close fifth in the 1 1/16-mile Coconut Grove S., a third in the nine-furlong Herecomesthebride S. (G3) and another fifth in the Ashland S. (G1) last out going 8 1/2 furlongs. She owns decent numbers and could find a place for herself in the exotics with E.T. Baird holding the reins.

CHANTILLY NAYLA (Five Star Day) scored a nice win in the Mardi Gras S. at Fair Grounds in her sophomore debut, then rallied for second in the Beaumont S. (G2) at Keeneland next out. Those two starts, plus a turf allowance win to close out her juvenile campaign, all came under the tutelage of trainer Neil Pessin. In her first start for Wayne Catalano, Chantilly Nayla ran fifth in the grassy American One Thousand Guineas and earned a subpar Speed number. She could still return to form here, but we're willing to let her beat us at probable low odds. LAURA BABE (City Zip) hasn't fared well against stakes competition in the past and will be making her synthetic debut in this spot. We can't recommend.

1st-AGE OF HUMOR
2nd-SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN
3rd-DUNDALK DUST

Courtesy of Mike Dempsey

Here is the opening race from Monmouth Park to get our day off to a good start:

MTH Race 1 Clm $5,000B (12:50 ET)

#8 Mister Alimony 9/2
#6 Runaway Legend 7/2
#10 Going for Gold 5/2
#1 Mr. W. B. 15/1

Analysis: #8 Mister Alimony gets the call in a very weak restricted claimer where none of these looks very interested in finding the winners circle. Our top pick set the early fractions and weakened to finish fifth last out versus similar company. The gelding owns the edge in early and mid pace numbers and if he can shake loose under the seven pound but this sad group may not be able to run him down.

#6 Runaway Legend was a decent third last out at Penn and at least may have some upside as he makes just his sixth career start here.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 4/1 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 1,6,8,10
TRI: 6,8 / 1,6,8,10 / 1,6,8,9,10

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 9 Suburban Hcp G1 (5:16 ET)

#5 Regal Ransom 2/1
#6 Haynesfield 5/1
#1 Pictural / #1a I Want Revenge 7/5
#3 Convocation 4/1

Analysis: We don't see too many Grade 2 races where the likely top two betting choices are each coming back off long layoffs. The edge in the race goes to #5 Regal Ransom, who makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) where the colt set the early fractions and faded to finish eighth over the synthetic surface. His two worst career starts have both come over the fake stuff. Two back he won the Super Derby (G2) at Louisiana Downs coming back off nearly a five-month layoff. The runner up in that race was Blame, who has come back to win his next four starts, last out taking the Stephen Foster (G1) at Churchill Downs. The colt popped a couple of bullet works on the morning tab and looks ready to fire.

#6 Haynesfield looked as if he would be a major Kentucky Derby threat last year after reeling off three stakes wins, but failed to fire in the Gotham (G3) in his first graded stakes try. He capped off his three-year-old campaign by beating up on state breds in the Empire Classic and then won the Discovery Handicap (G3) for his first graded stakes win. His return last out against state bred optional claimers was solid, he has what the two betting favorites don’t have, and that is a recent race.

#1a I Want Revenge makes his first start since winning the Wood Memorial (G1) last April, a late scratch on Derby Day as the morning line favorite with an ankle injury. The colt makes his first start for trainer Rick Dutrow, who takes over from Jeff Mullins. Dutrow is 25% winners with newcomers to the barn and 13% winners with horses coming back off a +180 day layoff. This colt could end up a major player in the handicap division this year, but it is tough to back him at 7/5 for the top spot.

Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 9/5 or better.

EX: 5,6 / 1,5,6

TRI: no play

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Monmouth Park:

MTH Race 10 United Nations G1 (5:23 ET)

#8 Chinchon 5/1
#2 Get Serious 8/1
#5 Winchester 7/2
#7 Take the Points 3/1

Analysis: #8 Chinchon returns to the U.S., last seen on this side of the pond checking in fourth in last years Man ‘O War (G1) where he was beaten three lengths for the top spot by Gio Ponti. He had to steady in traffic on the turn and did not get much pace to run at in that outing. He had a tough trip last out in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (G2) where he was blocked in traffic twice in a fourth place finish, beaten just 1 ¾ lengths for the top spot. He should get a good pace set up in here as this race is top heavy with early speed types. Gomez takes the call and the 5/1 ML looks fair enough.

#2 Get Serious won the Monmouth (G3) last out for his eighth win over the turf at the Jersey Shore in ten trips. The gelding earned a career top in that outing and gets a true class test here as he steps into Grade 1 company and won’t find things easy up front. The gelding is making his third start of his current form cycle and the firmer the ground the better for this guy, His 8/1 ML looks more than fair.

#5 Winchester upset Gio Ponti last out, taking the Manhattan Handicap (G1) at 21/1. It was his best effort since taking the Secretariat (G1) at Arlington Park as a three-year-old. The Clement barn seems to have this guy at the top of his game right now, and he should get a perfect pace set up here for his late running style.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 7/2 or better.
EX: 2,8 / 2,5,7,8
TRI: 2,8 / 2,5,7,8 / 2,3,5,7,8

Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park

R1: #5 Head Heart Hoof 12/1
R2: #1 Ulterior Motive 10/1
R2: #6 Just Hold On 8/1
R3: #5 Rush to Riches 8/1
R5: #3 Unforegettable P J 8/1
R5: #2 Serhardic 10/1
R6: #10 Fried 10/1
R7: #7 Wicked Tune 8/1
R8: #2 J L Bernstein 8/1
R10: #8 L.C. Bulgari 15/1
R10: #4 Abilio 10/1
R11: 32 Screenplay 15/1
R11: #4 Wishingonadream 10/1

Good luck today!

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE
Arlington Park (1st) Breathtakingbreeze, 10-1
(10th) Neverearlyshirley, 10-1
Belmont Park (5th) Felice di Notte, 4-1
(8th) Pegasus Tommy D., 3-1
Calder Race Course (7th) Nervous Marvin, 7-2
(10th) Rainbow's Eclipse, 7-2
Canterbury Park (10th) Rate of Change, 8-1
(12th) Gold Country Cat, 3-1
Charles Town (5th) Chess Master, 4-1
(7th) Trip to the Moon, 5-1
Churchill Downs (5th) Octavia Blues, 6-1
(7th) Storm in the Lake, 3-1
Colonial Downs (3rd) My Tough Tiger, 7-2
(7th) Art of Attack, 8-1
Delaware Park (4th) Mission Vow, 8-1
(5th) Doc Thunderbolt, 8-1
Emerald Downs (3rd) Renaissance Queen, 3-1
(7th) Aquatic Cat, 6-1
Evangeline Downs (1st) Strike It, 3-1
(12th) It's a Echo Rumor, 5-1
Finger Lakes (4th) Ms. Royal Indy, 3-1
(9th) Prime Storm, 6-1
Hastings Park (6th) Shiny Dice, 3-1
(7th) Daymaker, 9-2
Hollywood Park (7th) My Last Tycoon, 6-1
(9th) Yankee Romance, 9-2
Lone Star Park (4th) Tigertude, 4-1
(9th) Talk Wild, 7-2
Louisiana Downs (7th) Noah's Traveler, 4-1
(9th) During These Times, 6-1
Monmouth Park (1st) Runaway Legend, 7-2
(7th) Leon Royale, 6-1
Mountaineer (1st) Toclosetothemusic, 3-1
(10th) It Must be Love, 5-1
Northlands (4th) Bear's Day, 3-1
(6th) Gotthegreenlight, 4-1
Penn National (2nd) Trippedoutofadream, 6-1
(6th) Wendy's Sandy, 9-2
Philadelphia Park (2nd) One Nice Offer, 7-2
(4th) Agent of Chaos, 9-2
Pinnacle Race Course (3rd) David's Lab, 3-1
(7th) Blazing Prize, 6-1
Pleasanton (8th) Spirit to Win, 3-1
(10th) Summer Comet, 10-1
Prairie Meadows (2nd) Flying Peter, 5-1
(7th) El Trofeo (Arg), 10-1
Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Adacat, 6-1
(8th) Kenta Kun, 3-1
River Downs (4th) Come on Garcon, 7-2
(12th) Crimson Doon, 4-1
Suffolk Downs (3rd) Wonder Struck, 9-2
(9th) Long Hill Glider, 6-1
Thistledown (11th) Dinkers Idol, 3-1
(13th) Daring Habit, 7-2
Woodbine (5th) Banner Cat, 3-1
(10th) Moonlight Mile, 6-1

BEL 8th (4:44)

1 1/16 Miles (Inner turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Allowance Optional Claiming ($25,000) | Purse: $41,000

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Prince Dubai Rodriguez J Gyarmati Leah 113 7 L 30-1
2 2 J L Bernstein Maragh R Schettino Dominick A 123 L 8-1
3 3 Flowersonyourback Castellano J J Wright James T 123 L 4-1
4 4 Mr. Vegas Hill C Hushion Michael E 116 L 10-1
5 5 Midnight Billy Santiago V Ortiz Juan 119 L 6-1
6 6 Pegasus Tommy D. Dominguez R A Dutrow, Jr. R E 120 L 3-1
7 7 Fenway Faithful Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. R A 116 L 6-1
8 8 Spa City Fever Chavez J F Kelly Patrick J 123 L 7-2
9 9 Wiseman's Prospect Studart M Baker Charlton 120 $25,000 L 30-1

Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (8-10), Pick 4 Races (8-11) Daily Double Wagers

Brian Blessing's Pick's 3-6-7

Flowersonyourback has a consistent stalking style and is one for one at the distance. He has worked well for this race at Finger Lakes .

Churchill courtesy of George Fahey

An almost record crowd of over 32,000 was at the last “Downs After Dark” last evening. The late parting crowd dined, danced and bet the night away. These affairs have been a enormous success for the track and I’m expecting to see them expand the events in the future. Great weather has really helped and it should continue through the weekend.

The feature race today is The Bashford Manor Stakes for two year olds for $100K at six panels. This race is usually a stepping stone for futures of these runners in bigger things to come. Play close attention to the running of the race because it’s not always the winner who ends up making history. Also The Locust Grove Handicap for fillies and mares is for $100K at one mile on the turf. These are actually co-features making for a great day of racing.

Let’s get going and have a fantastic ending to a great meet. The best way to assure that is for us to select some winners.

Scratches - Race 2 - #4,#13,#14,#15, Race 3,#2, Race 5#11, Race 6#2, Race7 Also Eligables, Race 8#9

Track Conditions - Dirt - Fast, Turf - Firm, they’re running down on the hedge

Weather - Clear Skies and High of 92 F

Race 1 - Rob O’Connor is winning at 28% for the meet. This gelding is on his second back after a five month layoff. He needed the last start and should improve today. He’s won at this distance and class level before and should hold on this time with rider, the second leading jock this meet, Corey Lanerie. My pick!

6 - 1 - KY, Calbo, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 1/6/8, $10 D/D 6/11 $60

Race 2 - This guy was purchased three years ago at the Fasig-Tipton August Yearlin Sale for 8oo big ones. Heritage Hall has had one start last June here at Churchill being outrun beating one other runner. He’s back in here today after another year to get ready and has six published breezes in the last 45 days. You have to have deep pockets to be in this game. He’s in today for the $10K claiming price. Besides the purchase price they’ve got alot of hay and training bills, three years worth, to make up.

I’ taking ROC O’Connor to take both ends of the Daily Double with Calvin up on this one. The shorter distance should help and they should graduate today. My pick!

11 - 2 - KY, Groundwork, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 1/6/11 $50

Race 4 - Angel Hyland has a colt starting for the tenth time in his career looking for the winners circle. He’s named Calvin Borel back on after the other hot jock hasn’t made the graduating walk accross the stage to get his diploma. Today the’ll get their picture taken. My pick!

7 - 4 - Ky, Call Me Sir, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 7/9/10 $50

Race 5 - Paul McGee teams up again with Calvin Borel on this turfer who they’ve were rolling in the stretch in the last out. Hotter pace today should set up a bigger finish and a victory. The Louisvillian trainer has had a great meet with eleven wins and is looking for more with four starters in these last two days. This is a sharp outfit and my pick!

4 - 5 - KY, Sheltered, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 2/4/6 $50

Race 6 - Rob O;Connor has another one of his winners this meet back in for the last chance for more. Calvin is on again after the last score. Riding the wave, my pick!

3 - 6 - KY, Sherlock, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 3/4/6 $50

Race 9 - David Carroll has his turf specialist mare in tough but she has been working good preparing for this spot and it’s her second out after after a six month rest. She needed last to set up her best effort today. Should be closer to pace today and wear down the front runners in deep stretch. My pick!

4 - 9 - KY, Acoma, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 4/5/7 $50

Race 10 - Steve Asmussen has got potentially his best future classic runner in here today in The Bashford Manor Stakes for two year olds. This is his second start and he won the first time by a dozen lengths in a hand ride. He’s been working every seven days consistently at moderate speed acquiring the base for longer races in the future. Today’s six furlongs will stretch him a little with Robby Albarado back up for this event also. I’m looking for big things to come. My pick!

3 - 10 - KY, Kantharos, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 2/3/5 $50

Race 11 - Ian Wilkes has an improving filly in here with the leading jock up in Borel. First time lasix for her new outfit. Too many pluses to pass up. My pick!

5 - 11 - KY, Up In Lights, $10 WP, $5 Exacta Box 5/6/8 $50

CDX 11th (5:56)

1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Maiden Special Weight | Purse: $51,500

Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 8 Beautiful Song Albarado R J Arnold George R II 118 LA 8-1
1A MTO Rendition Albarado R J Arnold George R II 118 LA 8-1
2 1 Circleboundbay Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 118 LA 8-1
3 2 Slews Sassy Tamburello A T Henson Eucklie 113 10 50-1
4 3 Fly Angel Fly Kuntzweiler G Proctor Thomas F 118 LA 15-1
5 4 Up in Lights Borel C H Wilkes Ian R 118 L 9-2
6 5 Cascabella Bridgmohan S X Pletcher Todd A 118 Blk-On LA 4-1
7 6 Valse Autriche Mena M Mott William I 118 LA 6-1
8 7 Fancy Fiona Court J K Glenney John 124 L 6-1
9 9 Poplar Girl Torres F C Tomlinson Michael A 124 LA 10-1
10 10 Lemonappeal Nakatani C S Pitts Helen 118 Blk-On LA 10-1
11 11 Limpopo Melancon L Mott William I 118 LA 15-1
12 12 Dandyna Lanerie C J Howard Neil J 118 L 5-1
13 MTO Saudi Princess Borel C H Baker James E 124 12-1
14 AE English Girl Mojica O Tammaro Michael A 124 LA 8-1
15 AE Jewelry (BRZ) Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 118 Blk-On LA 8-1
16 AE Dyani Lanerie C J Kenneally Eddie 124 LA 4-1
17 AE Kathern's Kitten Theriot H J II Maker Michael J 118 LA 15-1

A-Coupled: Beautiful Song and Rendition

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Super Hi-5

Battagliaspicks 8-9-10

#8 Fancy Fiona- came off a year layoff and finished 2nd in back to back races on the turf here. She is the lone speed today and should go wire to wire.

Belmont Longshot Courtesy of Horse Watch

BEL 10th # 1 Reading Group (30-1) Raced decently for 6th at this on the turf in his last, should improve off that effort and the added furlong put him right there today at a big price.