[Kasept]

The holiday weekend's action kicks into overdrive today as more than a dozen Graded Stakes dot the North American racing landscape.. Steve Asmussen got a leg up on Todd Pletcher and Doug O'Neill in the battle of the Supertrainers Friday night, as More Than Regal topped the Iowa Derby at 9-1. Asmussen, Pletcher and O'Neill have at least 7 stakes starters apiece in the July 4th celebration of thoroughbred racing..

Here's a look at Saturday's important features..


BELMONT PARK:

8th: The 50th Mother Goose (Gr. I), $250,000, 3yo fillies, 9f

1. #7 Pine Island 12-1: Shug-Phipps NEVER misplace their fillies 2ND
2. #4 Ready to Please 3-1: Pletcher miss needs fig boost; will relish distance 3RD
A. #3 Lemons Forever 7-2: Oaks shocker gets great set-up for late kick 4th
B. #2 Bushfire 7-2: Acorn re-rally winner simply too game to ignore 1ST


9th: The 120th Suburban Handicap (Gr. I), $400,000, 3+, 10f

One of America's most storied events..

1. #7 Tap Day 4-1: Hennig get Johnny V., sits stalking trip
2. #3 Andromeda's Hero 12-1: Price a plus on constantly improving Zito red
A. #6 Invasor 9-5: Awfully low tab on PIM Special winner who could react 1ST
B. #5 Rathor 7-2: "Now" horse will get modest pressure; could wire


MONMOUTH PARK:

9th: Jersey Shore Breeders' Cup (Gr. III), $150,000, 3yo, 6f

1. #1 Henny Hughes 2-1: K-Mc simply great off extended breaks 1ST
2. #3 Changing Weather 6-1: Only way to make money here is Darley closer
3. #5 He's Got Grit 5-1: More value from Asmussen gelding; (Think 'Anew')


PHILADELPHIA PARK:

9th: Dr. Penny Memorial H'cap (L), $100,000, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T

1. #7 Pommes Frites 2-1: Mott Beaugay winner faces modest pace pressure 1ST
2. #12 Inapinch 12-1: This is the F&M Turf Breeders' Cup for local claimer
A. #4 Marchonin 5-1: Toss Matz bay's off turf flop last
B. #2 Ozone Bere 4-1: Clement grey 3rd to Gorella/Frites in (GII) Just a Game


WOODBINE:

9th: The Dominion Day (Gr. III), $200,000, 3+, 10f

1. #2 Arch Hall 3-1: Casse Gr. III winner not off board in 2+ years
2. #6 Scipion 10-1: Biancone-Payson 4yo point to good one 3rd/layoff
A. #5 Cryptograph 4-1: Pierce-Kabel a potent WO force historically
B. #1 Funny Cide 9-5: Returns to trip he likes, but 9-5? Can't see.. 1ST


CHURCHILL DOWNS:

10th: The Firecracker BCH (Gr. II), $250,000, 3+, 1m-T

1. #1 Miesque's Approval 4-5: Aced Artie @ KEE; From 49-1 in Jan. to 4-5 now 1ST
2. #4 Gigawatt 8-1: Lerman's 1 win '06 came with this 6yo in CRC green Gr. 2
A. #7 Thunder Mission 20-1: Nicks' Pulpit gelding chasing good ones all year
B. #3 Free Thinking 6-1: Danner bay get Leparoux; likes CD and trip 2ND


ARLINGTON PARK:

8th: The Arlington Classic (Gr. III), $150,000, 3yo, 8.5f-T

1. #7 Storm Treasure 7-2: Asmussen red found trouble all the way in Jeff Cup
2. #8 Proudinsky 4-1: German import from Tanaka a proverbial mystery horse 2ND
A. #4 Creative Force 6-1: State bred fits; Note best sod tries came on soft
B. #1 Kingship 8-1: Werner trainee exploded last when moved to lawn 1ST


HOLLYWOOD PARK:

3rd: 52nd A Gleam Invitational H'cap (Gr. II), $150,000, F&M-3+, 7f

1. #2 Somethingaboutlaura 8-5: Hollendorfer red just missed classy pair last 1ST
2. #5 Maryfield 9-5: O'Neill listed winner tries for initial graded score 2ND
3. #4 Allswellthatnswell 6-1: Warren mare chased fave, My Miss Storm Cat 3RD


6th: 9th Cash Call Invitational (Gr. III), $750,000, F&M-3+, 1m-T

1. #5 Sweet Talker 3-1: Motion/Dominguez come West for one reason only 2ND
2. #9 Dance in the Mood 7-2: Recall Cesario in Oaks on this card last year 1ST
A. #3 Shining Energy 5-2: ML choice from Canani has some tactical options
B. #1 Cambiocorsa 5-1: O'Neill's Cal-bred on 7 race run; this good though?


9th: 62nd Landaluce (L), $100,000, 2yo fillies, 6f

1. #10 Pinata 12-1: Nice value on Graph Racing purchase from Miller 1ST
2. #6 Coco Belle 4-1: SCR
A. #9 Holly Torque Tango 9-2: Love fact Koriner red "dueled, prevailed" 2ND
B. #8 Thru n' Thru 2-1: Baffert 'Belle' beater better beware bounce

Longshot exotic value: #2 Doubloon City 20-1


PRARIE MEADOWS:

8th: 9th Iowa Sprint H'cap (L), $125,000, 3+, 6f

1. #8 Coach Jimi Lee 5-2: Hard not to root for DiVito 6yo trying for 3rd in row 1ST
2. #5 Brooker 8-1: O'Neill bay gelding 3 for 5 trip; rarely misfires 3RD
A. #1 Bishop Court Hill 9-5: Didn't exactly top Ta Wee in that Carter win 2ND
B. #2 Semaphore Man 4-1: Von Hemel clan pass-around usually a minor factor 4TH


9th: 10th PrM Cornhusker BCH (Gr. II), $300,000, 3+, 9f

Absolutely bizarre cast make for a great betting race..

1. #13 Good Reward 10-1: Shug not here on lark; Winner if OK revisiting dirt
2. #4 Three Hour Nap 8-1: Prefers 9 panels and adjusts to any pace
A. #11 Alumni Hall 4-1: Howard-Farish veteran alternates big tries
B. #12 Mayan King 15-1: Price too inviting to not use Contessa shipper
C. #1 Gouldings Green 8-1: Are AP stewards down to help Hanshin "winner"?

Longshot exotic value: #6 Wayzata Bay 20-1

Enjoy the great day.. Tomorrow, a long look at the lucrative Hollywood card as well as the Poker and Astoria at Belmont and Stars and Stripes at Arlington..

Good luck..
Steve