Summer racing season moves to the penultimate weekend at Hollywood and Belmont with hearts and minds already shifting towards Del Mar (7/21 opening) and Saratoga (7/23 opening). But before California racing moves south and New York heads north, there are a few important G1 stakes to run like today’s Triple Bend and Gold Cup at Inglewood and the Man o’ War at Elmont. Over and above the major circuit action Saturday is Calder’s highly successful Summit of Speed; a concept created by the late and legendary Bobby Umphrey that brings together a conclave of sprinters from all divisions. I’m attending my 4th straight Summit, as the afternoon at utilitarian Calder has become one of my favorite race days of the year. And at Delaware Park, the run up to their big Delaware Handicap Day a week from now starts with the 3yo girls taking the spotlight in the Oaks which lured Blind Luck. Finally, Monmouth’s feature is the last Haskell prep in the Long Branch, and exciting Trappe Shot has an opportunity to add his name to the growing list of second season sophomore stars. Should be a great afternoon of racing action!

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 6f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #3 Alwaysinmydreams 3-1 4th
Next Best: #1e L. Rice entry 7-2 WON ($7.80)
Exotics Use: #5 Magical Feeling 5-2 3rd

8th: NY-CLM/N2L, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Cromwell Alley 3-1 5th
Next Best: #8 Prix de Karakorum 6-1 WON ($6.70)
Best Value: #1 Living for This 8-1 8th
Super Add: #6 Mind Boggling 8-1 4th

9th: 52nd Man o’ War (G1), 3+, 11f-IT (DD, Super)

Gio Ponti certainly seems to have found a field to bully after what has now become a pronounced winless skid..

Most Likely: #8 Gio Ponti 1-2 WON ($2.80)
Best Value: #2 Bearpath 12-1 4th
Next Best: #3 Strike a Deal 10-1 8th
Super Add: #6 Grand Couturier 8-1 7th

10th: NY-MSW, 3+, 6f-T (Super)

Most Likely: #6 Dougie 5-2 2nd
Next Best: #4 Barrel of Love 9-5 WON ($6.00)
Best Value: #8 Dirt Track Demon 10-1 3rd
Super Add: #10 Don’t Cross Me 6-1 6th

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-3-5
8: 1-4-6-8
9: 8 (2)
10: 4-6

Main: 3x4x1x2 = 24 (x $2) = $48 $2 P4 (1-8-8-4) Paid $135.50
Backup: 3x4x1x2 = $24

MONMOUTH PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: MSW, F&M-3+, 6f (P5, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 A Wink and a Smile 3-1 4th (3rd for wagering)
Best Value: #1a (POE) Hope Affirmed 6-1 2nd/3rd
Next Best: #5 Simple Magic 7-2 WON ($6.60)
Super Add: #10 Guiltless Pleasures 8-1 9th

7th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f (P3, DD, Super)

Impossibly confusing group..

Most Likely: #5 Poni Colada 3-1 WON ($7.20)
Best Value: #2 Pound Foolish 10-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Blank Check 4-1 6th
Super Add: #7 Mister Triester 9-2 7th

8th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #5 STORMY DIXIE 5-2 WON ($5.20)
Next Best: #11 (AE) SCR
Best Value: #8 D’cats Meow 10-1 7th
Super Add: #3 Basic Trick 10-1 3rd

SCR Add: #1 Amazon Holly 4-1 4th

9th: NJ-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 6f (P4, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #6 Sweet Talking Gal 5-2 2nd
#7 Valentine Daisy WON ($8.00)
Best Value: #9 Sconce 20-1 9th
Super Add: #1 Y to Kat 4-1 5th

10th: Battlefield, 3+, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #9 Whatsthescript 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #5 Banrock 3-1 2nd
Best Value: #6 Sunshine Rambler 10-1 6th
Super Add: #7 Minnie Putt 7-2 4th

<$75 P5 Play:

6: 1-4-5
7: 2-3-5-6-7
8: 5
9: 1-6-7-9
10: 5-9

3x5x1x4x2 = 120 x .50 = $60

11th: 76th Long Branch, 3yo, 8.5f (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #3 Trappe Shot 2-1 WON ($3.00)
Best Value: #1 Southern Ridge 7-2 3rd

CALDER RACE COURSE

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: 20th Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, 3+, 5f-T (P3, Super)

Best Value: #5 Square Deal 6-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Rusty Charlie 6-1 6th
Exotics Use: #1 Tahoe Warrior 6-1 WON ($6.80)
Super Add: #6 Lord Robyn 5-1 3rd

6th: J J’s Dream, 2yo-F, 5.5f (P3, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Awesome Feather 5-2 WON ($7.40)
Best Value: #3 Because I Like It 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #8 Pretty Extravagant 3-1 5th
Super Add: #5 Delightful Dawn 6-1 8th

7th: Frank Gomez Memorial, 2yo, 5.5f (P3, Super)

Hard to not to root for Howie Tesher with good-looking first out winner Prince of Danger..

Most Likely: #6 Grande Shores 5-2 DNF
Best Value: #7 Vee’s Accolade 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #2 Little Drama 5-1 WON ($6.80)
Super Add: #1 Prince of Danger 4-1 4th

8th: Azalea (G3), 3yo-F, 6f (.50 P4, Super)

Most Likely: #8 Pica Slew 9-5 WON ($6.00)
Next Best: #5 Buckleupbuttercup 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1 Rapport 5-2 4th
Super Add: #6 Bronx City Girl 6-1 3rd

9th: Carry Back (G2), 3yo, 6f (P3, Super)

Most Likely: #2 D’ Funnybone 4-5 2nd
Next Best: #1 Coffee Boy 3-1 WON ($10.80)

10th: Smile Spring H. )G2), 3+, 6f (P3, Super)

Most Likely: #10 Big Drama 3-1 WON ($5.60)
Best Value: #2 Go Go Shoot 8-1 12th
Exotics Use: #3 Mambo Meister 4-1 2nd
Super Add: #9 Causeway’s Kin 20-1 7th

11th: Princess Rooney (G1), 3+, 6f (DD, Super)

Best Value: #8 Dubai Majesty 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #9 Warbling 7-2 2nd
Exotics Use: #4 Hour Glass 5-1 6th
Super Add: #3 Jessica is Back 6-1 WON ($19.00)

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 5-8
9: 1-2
10: 2-3-7-9-10-13
11: 3-4-5-8-9-13

2x2x6x6 = 144 x .50 = $72 $.50 P4 (2/8-1-1/10-3) Paid $407.95

HOLLYWOOD PARK

PRE-SCRATCHES

P6 Carryover: $99,169

5th: CLM, 3+, 1m-T (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Sir Dave 5-2 4th
Next Best: #7 Mr. Katz 7-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 No Dream 6-1 8th
Super Add: #5 Victorian Prince 6-1 6th

6th: 59th Triple Bend (G1), 3+, 7f (P3, DD, Super)

Inclined to give Gayego a race after efforts in the desert and with Godolphin’s stateside stakes struggles continuing every weekend..

Best Value: #1 E Z’s Gentleman 5-1 WON ($9.80)
Next Best: #3 M One Rifle 4-1 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Sangaree 7-2 2nd
Super Add: #8 New Bay 6-1 5th

7th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Very quirky group with added intrigue from Hollendorfer import..

Best Value: #1 Seattle Ruler 12-1 5th
Next Best: #3 Mallinson Road 3-1 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Unionize 5-1 2nd
Super Add: #7 Candy Coat 12-1 8th

8th: 71st Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), 3+, 10f (P3, DD, Super)

Even with Rail Trip’s new, more patient ‘style’, having Compari, Tap It Light and Tres Borrachos involved in this mile and quarter meet centerpiece seems to assure an honest pace up front. Cigar Man, Awesome Gem and Richard’s Kid will all be calling on the leaders by mid-stretch as well, and that recipe tells me we’re in for a terrific edition of this famed standard..

Most Likely: #6 Rail Trip 4-5 2nd
Best Value: #3 Awesome Gem 10-1 WON ($18.00)
Next Best: #4 Richard’s Kid 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #1 Cigar Man 20-1 6th

9th: CLM/N1Y, 3+, 6f-T (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #1 Cadillac 5-2 WON ($6.60)
Next Best: #6 Sea of Pleasure 3-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Majestic Diamond 4-1 2nd
Super Add: #4 Nevada Worrier 6-1 5th

10th: MDN CLM, 3+, 6.5f (Super, Super High 5)

Best Value: #6 Quinton’s Flash 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #2 Willis 9-2 5th
Exotics Use: #14 Jacob’s Little Bro 7-2 10th
Best Value: #8 Lewdog N Paradise 20-1 7th
High 5 Play: #4 Goochio 8-1 11th

<$150 P6 Play:

5: 1-7
6: 1
7: 1-3-8
8: 6
9: 1-5-6
10: 2-6-8-14

2x1x3x1x3x4 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 1-3-8
8: 3-6
9: 1-5-6
10: 2-6-8-14

3x2x3x4 = $72

Extreme heat in the Northeast and lack of entries in the West played havoc with the race week, with no less than 5 cards being scuttled, but the break in temps on the Eastern Seaboard gets things back to normal. In addition, Calder’s Summit of Speed and Gold Cup Day at Hollywood are on the horizon to bookend an outstanding weekend docket.

Belmont offers modest action for Thursday with a couple of good allowances, while Friday looms with day, twilight, evening and late night action from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Illinois and California… Full Summit and Gold Cup/Triple coverage on ATR Friday morning with Mike Welsch (DRF) and Caton Brader (HRTV) and Andy Beyer among the guests!

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

3rd: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 8.5f (P3, DD)

Has potential to be a strange race given short field and total absence of speed.. Is it possible that Sapphire Mink and Suzanne have been wasting a lot of starts on surfaces for which they aren’t meant?

Most Likely: #2 Station Hill 2-1
Best Value: #1 Sapphire Mink 5-1
Next Best: #4 Banker’s Buy 7-5

4th: CLM, 3+, 1m-T (P6, P3, DD)

Would be nice to find a horse to lean on as candidate to beat 1-1 Big Stick, but unfortunately, that horse doesn’t appear in this horrific lineup..

Most Likely: #4 Big Stick 1-1
Next Best: #7 Pavoratti’s Soul 2-1
Best Value: #3 French Transition 10-1
Exotics Use: #6 Ungi Blanc 15-1

5th: MDN CLM, F&M-3+, 6.5f (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 No Goal 7-2
Best Value: #3 Saint Jen 12-1
Next Best: #6 Can’t Rezist 5-2
Super Add: #5 Rani Baba 5-1

6th: MDN CLM, 3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

This is a much better, and trickier, race than it looks like t first glance, and while Chad Brown’s ML favorite Financially Secure is the horse to beat, h hardly towers over the next 4-5 contenders..

Most Likely: #1 Financially Secure 8-5
Best Value: #7 R J Hope 8-1
Next Best: #4 Pico Dinero 9-2
Super Add: #5 Pagan Ruler 12-1

7th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 6f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Seis de Mayo 4-1
Best Value: #8 Franklin Delano 8-1
Next Best: #1 We Get It 5-2

8th: OC/C, 3+, 8.5f-IT (DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Al Khali 8-5
Next Best: #2 Summer Patriot 5-2
Best Value: #3 Rogue Victory 8-1

9th: MDN CLM, 3+, 7f-T (Super)

Most Likely: #9 Tough Cookie T 2-1
Best Value: #2 Lupo 6-1
Next Best: #4 King Prada 7-2
Super Add: #3 Empire State 10-1

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 1-3-4-5-6-7
7: 4-7-8
8: 2-4
9: 2-9

6x3x2x2 = $72

ARLINGTON PARK

6th (3:25): MSW, 2yo-F, 5f (P4, P3, DD, Super)

No wagering opinion to offer up with group that features all first time starts, but a field worth looking at for some pedigree notes. #6 Bella Couture (Ian Wilkes) is the first foal to race from the MSW NY-bred Sabellina, who was passed back and forth seasonally between Chuck Simon and Carlos Martin. Chuck won the G3 Cardinal with her as a 5yo, while Carlos won a Yaddo and Mount Vernon; Mike Stidham sends #5 Crepe Myrtle, a bargain $9k KEE yearling by Purge that is a half sister to 4x SW Barcola; Tom Proctor has #2 Inside Deal, a full sister to the briefly-heralded Frisco Star..

1 Tellme All Aboutit Sanchez D DiVito James P 118 FTL 12-1
2 Inside Deal Castanon J L Proctor Thomas F 118 FTL 8-1
3 Lady Bluegrass Alvarado J Compton Greg 118 20-1
4 Holy Heavens Geroux F Catalano Wayne M 118 FTL 9-2
5 Crepe Myrtle Baze M C Stidham Michael 118 FTL 7-2
6 Bella Couture Sellers S J Wilkes Ian R 118 12-1
7 Grand Distraction Karlsson I Demeritte Larry 118 L 30-1
8 Put and Take Emigh C A Becker Scott 118 FTL 6-1
9 Fiscal Policy Graham J Amoss Thomas 118 FTL 8-5

Good luck!
Steve

Enjoyed a special Independence Day Sunday with the great racing action punctuated by Dee Tee Stables’ 5th overall win when Tony Black guided Redboard King to his diploma in the Philadelphia Park nightcap. Congratulations and thanks go out to all the partners, Chuck and his Philly assistant Susan, and of course Anthony Black Jr. Redboard becomes the second Dee Tee runner to break a maiden (Rampilion-DEL), while Tony is the 5th different rider to wear Lime and Royal in a photograph. Considering my relationship with Tony the last 4+ years on ATR, this win is particularly sweet. Black has been generous and supportive of me and the show, and his frank contributions on the air provide listeners with an intimate portrait of life in the irons. He’s also been incredibly helpful on an unending basis to Chuck and his efforts since coming to Philadelphia. I’ll cherish this Dee Tee tally with the 20th winningest rider in racing history smiling broadly in the photo.

The day was fun and successful at the windows Sunday as well, grinding out modest profits with a small hit in the BEL P4 ($110.75), the Firecracker tri ($188.00) and Monmouth 8th ($189.80). Flirted again with the pesky MTH P5, with all the winners showing up in the tabs but not on the ticket. The thing paid a nice $727 too… Will try again today as the Holiday Weekend winds down. Hope you did well over the Sat/Sun portion of the July 4th festivities! More stakes to follow today (see below), and full recap cverage on ATR this morning!

BED O’ ROSES H. (G3), Belmont Park, $150,000, 3&up, f&m, 7f.
HOLLYWOOD JUVENILE CHAMPIONSHIP S. (G3), Hollywood Park, $100,000, 2yo, 6f.
Dr. James Penny Memorial H., Philadelphia Park, $200,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16mT.
Mr. Prospector S., Monmouth Park, $100,000, 3&up, 6f.

MONMOUTH PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: MSW, 2yo, 5f (P5, DD, Super)

As fast as Nacho Saint was in his debut, these are 2yo’s and they can react or jump up wildly..

Most Likely: #1 Nacho Saint 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #7 Ghost Black 6-1 6th
Next Best: #4 Masterpiece 4-1 3rd
Super Add: #8 Meistersinger 8-1 5th

7th: NJ-ALW/N2X, 3+, 1m-70y (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 Gunfighter 6-5 WON ($2.60)
Best Value: #9 Adduce 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #5 Farragots Follies 4-1 2nd
Super Add: #1 Just a Lion 9-2 6th

8th: ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m-70y (P3, DD, Super)

Super tough ALW group with those below, and a couple more besides, eligible for laurels..

Most Likely: #2 SCR
Best Value: #1a (POE) Almost Grecian 12-1 2nd/3rd
Next Best: #8 Sharp Instinct 3-1 4th
Super Add: #5 Yankee Empress 15-1 6th

SCR Add: #3 Summer Humor 4-1 7th

9th: Mr. Prospector, 3+, 6f (P4, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 Checklist 5-2 4th
Best Value: #3 Elusive Warning 6-1 7th
Next Best: #2 Cherokee County 9-2 5th
Super Add: #1 SCR

SCR Add: #8 Roaring Lion 5-1 WON ($10.40)

10th: Choice, 3yo, 9f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #6 Thunder Brew 7-2 5th
Best Value: #10 Devon Rock 5-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 They Call Me Giant 6-1 2nd
Super Add: #8 SCR

SCR Add: #1 Fantastico Roberto 3-1 WON ($6.40)

<$100 P5 Play:

6: 1-4-6-7-8
7: 7
8: 1-3-4-5-8
9: 2-3-7-8
10: 6-10

5x1x5x4x2 = 200 x .50 = $100

Left a lot of money on the table in heart-breaking fashion Saturday with anchor leg shutout of the late P4 at Monmouth and a quad miss at Belmont that hurt. I wasn’t close in the Oceanport nightcap after tying Pletcher chalk Hunter’s Bay, $9.60 U.N. winner Chinchon and $16 Salvator ‘all button’ hero Gone Astray together to be live to 4 horses for real money. At Belmont, omission Onzain out-gamed my 15-1 wiseguy runner Mr. Enrico to prevent a very sizable four score. I’ve been taking beats like this for an extended period, but get the feeling that the pendulum is swinging in the right direction. On the plus side, had the correct idea in the Suburban laying out the mutuels exactly with Haynesfield getting the job done, and caught a nice triple before that with Pegasus Tommy D keying the $117 bingo. The 7th-9th P3 of Ad Infinitum-Pegasus Tommy D-Haynesfield was positive too, helping defray the afternoon’s expenses with a $132 contribution.

Hope you did OK and are ready for a great 4th of July! Redboard King runs for the Lime and Royal of Dee Tee at Philadelphia later, and I hope partners and their families have a safe and fun holiday! Here’s the complete stakes inventory for Independence Day, which includes the Queen’s Plate, Canada’s Derby, and the oldest race of its’ kind in North America…

PRIORESS S. (G1), Belmont Park, $250,000, 3yo, f, 6f.
JERSEY SHORE S. (G3), Monmouth Park, $200,000, 3yo, 6f.
Miss Liberty S., Monmouth Park, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/16mT.
FIRECRACKER H. (G2), Churchill Downs, $175,000, 3&up, 1mT.
AMERICAN H. (G2), Hollywood Park, $150,000, 3&up, 1 1/8mT.
CHICAGO H. (G3), Arlington Park, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 7f.
Queen’s Plate S. (r), Woodbine, $1,000,000, 3yo, 1 1/4m.
Highlander S. (Can-G2), Woodbine, $200,000, 3&up, 6fT.
Singspiel S. (Can-G3), Woodbine, $150,000, 3&up, 1 1/2mT.

MONMOUTH PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th (3:20p): MSW, F&M-3+, 1m-T (P5, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #2 Pin Turn 4-1 5th
Best Value: #4 All About Alex 8-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Somalia 3-1 4th
Super Add: #9 Dover Crescent 7-2 WON ($6.80)

7th: NJ-ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m (P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #7 Dead Money 4-1 5th
Next Best: #4 Goombada Guska 3-1 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #3 Dream Waltz 8-1 8th
Super Add: #6 Perky Juge 12-1 3rd

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 6f (P3, DD, Super)

Impossible group, and note that #14 (AE) Holyfield becomes major player should he draw in; #13 (AE) Rock Solid Arch is a value interest for exotics use should he get the opportunity to run.. Use as many as you can afford for the multis..

Most Likely: #14 Holyfield 5-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Red Elephant 9-2 3rd
Best Value: #1 Awesome Son 12-1 WON ($16.80)
Super Add: #10 Footcandles 10-1 7th

9th: 19th Jersey Shore (G3), 3+, 6f (P4, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #6 Safe Trip 3-1 3rd
Next Best: #2 Discreetly Mine 5-2 WON ($4.80)
Best Value: #4 Christine Daae 4-1 6th
Super Add: #5 Cool Bullet 3-1 5th

10th: Miss Liberty, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #8 Eye of Taurus 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #14 Maram 9-2 WON ($4.40)
Exotics Use: #2 Ivory Empress 15-1 5th
Super Add: #11 Stormy Relations 12-1 9th

<$100 P5 Play:

6: 1-2-4
7: 4-7
8: 6-14
9: 2-4-5-6
10: 2-8-11-14

3x2x2x4x4 = 196 x .50 = $96

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

7th (4:12p): NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-IT (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Trust Fund Kid 3-1 WON ($6.20)
Best Value: #6 Triple Latte 10-1 6th
Next Best: #1 Make Mine Chocolate 5-2 2nd
Super Add: #9 Es Mia 6-1 5th

8th: NY-ALW/N1X, F&M-3+, 7f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Very well-matched group.. Tough call, and ‘first time R. Rodriguez’ (as discussed Saturday) complicates matters..

Best Value: #4 Song for Pupcake 5-1 6th
Next Best: #1a In Te Domine 5-2 WON ($10.20)
Exotics Use: #7 Lisa Jean 9-2 2nd
Super Add: #5 Roaring Ghost 12-1 8th

9th: 63rd Prioress (G1), 3yo-F, 6f (DD, Super)

Like Saturday’s Suburban, what the field lacks in quantity, it makes up for in intrigue. Franny Freud (7-5) the horse to beat, and has been pointed to this during first half of year, but there’s enough other speed signed on to make her earn it every step of the three quarters. Doesn’t Baffert’s filly (2-1) figure to get the best trip stalking from down inside?

Most Likely: #1 Bonnie Blue Flag 2-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Franny Freud 7-5 WON ($3.40)
Best Value: #4 Funny Feeling 8-1 5th

10th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 6f (Super)

Feels like a slippery race..

Most Likely: #2 SCR
Best Value: #11 Torrone 5-1 WON ($7.00)
Next Best: #5 Gracilia 3-1
Super Add: #1 By M K 6-1

SCR Add: #10 Moshe Diane 6-1 4th

<$100 P4 Play:

7: 1-4-6-9
8: 1-4
9: 1-3
10: 1-5-7-10-11

4x2x2x5 = $80

$1 P4 (4-1-3-11) Paid $110.75

CHURCHILL DOWNS

POST-SCRATCHES

10th (5:26p): 20th Firecracker (G2), 3+, 1m-T (DD, Super)

Very nice Churchill spring-summer meet concludes today with penultimate event drawing an overflow field including ’09 Derby winner #2 Mine That Bird (3-1). Lukas trainee looms a logical bet-against in grass bow considering layoff and fact that Birdstone has yet to produce a single turf winner from the 32 that have tried it a total of 64 times..

Best Value: #6 SCR
Next Best: #4 Tizdejavu 4-1 WON ($10.20)
Exotics Use: #9 Inca King 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #7 Public Speaker 8-1 2nd

SCR Add: #13 Wise River 15-1 7th

WOODBINE

POST-SCRATCHES

10th (5:38p): 151st Queen’s Plate (R), CND-3yo, 10f (P3, Super)

Wonderfully deep and puzzling edition of North America’s oldest classic..

Best Value: #4 Dark Cloud Dancer 15-1 6th
Next Best: #9 Mobilizer 7-2 10th
Exotics Use: #11 Hotep 3-1 2nd
Super Add: #8 Giant’s Tomb 12-1 4th

Tough sledding chasing P6 carries at CD and HOL Friday night in anticipation of the big July 4th Weekend of racing. Churchill sextet ended up paying a very nice $45k, but 4 of 6 was the best I could manage. Later at Hollywood, the knockout punch came mercifully early for me, but successful players got $38k back. Holiday kicks off big time today with wide variety of Stakes and other quality action to follow:

UNITED NATIONS S. (G1), Monmouth Park, $750,000, 3&up, 1 3/8mT.
SALVATOR MILE S. (G3), Monmouth Park, $250,000, 3&up, 1m.
SUBURBAN H. (G2), Belmont Park, $300,000, 3&up, 1 1/8m.
AMERICAN OAKS (G1), Hollywood Park, $250,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/4mT.
ROYAL HEROINE MILE S. (G2), Hollywood Park, $150,000, 3&up, f&m, 1mT.
ARLINGTON OAKS (G3), Arlington Park, $100,000, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m.
BASHFORD MANOR S. (G3), Churchill Downs, $100,000, 2yo, 6f.
LOCUST GROVE H. (G3), Churchill Downs, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 1mT.

I’ll focus on NY/NJ this weekend while Gus Alonso takes on AP and CD (on its’ closing weekend)… Safe and happy and lucrative 4th to all!

BELMONT PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

5th: NY-MSW, 3+, 8.5f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Modestly talented but well-matched group..

Most Likely: #7 Solutionfinders 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #3 Unforgettable P J 8-1 5th
Next Best: #5 Felice Di Notte 4-1 4th
Super Add: #4 Tapitdar 5-2 WON ($5.00)

6th: NY-MDN CLM, 3+, 6f-IT (P6, P3, DD)

$37,585 P6 Carryover

Most Likely: #8 Pegasus Ena 7-2 2nd
Best Value: #1a (POE) Jericho Rules 6-1 8th/6th (POE-1)
Next Best: #2 Strolldownbroadway 7-2 3rd

7th: MSW, 3+, 7f-T (G/S, P3, DD, Super)

About time for the favorite to break through.. Any horse named for one of the most delightful restaurants to ever grace the NYC dining scene needs to live up to the moniker of the Lincoln Center adjacent institution..

Most Likely: #1 Cafe des Artistes 2-1 4th
Next Best: #8 Ad Infinitum 3-1 WON ($7.70)
Best Value: #7 Wicked Tune 8-1 5th
Super Add: #3 Scary Guy 8-1 7th

8th: NY-OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #6 Pegasus Tommy D 3-1 WON ($6.10)
Next Best: #8 Spa City Fever 7-2 3rd
Best Value: #2 J L Bernstein 8-1 2nd
Super Add: #3 Flowersonyourback 4-1 6th

9th: 124th Suburban (G1), 3+, 9f (P3, DD, Super)

Not the greatest edition of this event certainly, but a puzzling curiosity in many ways with returning players I Want Revenge and Regal Ransom largely unknowns in regard to level of preparedness. From that standpoint, Dutrow is typically reliable off layoffs, and as Nick Tammaro pointed out on ATR Friday, Godolphin’s returnee have numbingly bad… For wagering purposes, 4-1 Conocation and 5-1 Haynesfield are the ones you want to get into the picture..

Best Value: #6 Haynesfield 5-1 WON ($9.90)
Next Best: #3 Convocation 4-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #1a (POE) I Want Revenge 7-2 3rd
Super Add: #5 Regal Ransom 2-1 4th

10th: NYB-ALW/N1X, 3+, 7f-T (DD, Super)

#11 Expedition moves to Rudy Rodriguez who is winning at 65% with acquirees. That’s right… 13 of the 20 horses that have arrived in his magical barn have won first time under his care. So while it would be far more fun to include possible price players like Mr. Enrico (15-1) as a 4th horse, you are instead obliged to continue to use RudyRod horses in spots like this until the wizardry ebbs.. NOTE: Expedition has SCR’d, but advice stands..

Most Likely: #3 Joey’s Chance 7-2 6th
Best Value: #9 Mr. Vantastic 12-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Abilio 10-1 3rd
Super Add: #10 Mr. Enrico 15-1 2nd

11th: CLM/N2L, 3+, 8.5f-IT (Super)

Best Value: #2 SCR
Next Best: #7 Chromospere 5-2 WON
Exotics Use: #11 El Tune 4-1 4th
Super Add: #3 Bishop of Nola 4-1 2nd

<$150 P6 Play:

6: 1-8
7: 1-7-8
8: 6-8
9: 1-3-6
10: 3
11: 7-11

2x3x2x3x1x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

8: 2-6-8
9: 1-3-6
10: 3-4-9-11
11: 7-11

3x3x4x2 = $72

MONMOUTH PARK

POST-SCRATCHES

6th: CLM, 3+, 8.5f-T (P5, DD, Super)

How about Bon Marie and Zappa lining up next to each other? Only 30 wins in 113 starts between them!

Most Likely: #6 Bon Marie 7-2 3rd
Next Best: #5 Zappa 9-2 2nd
Best Value: #4 Berning Baze 8-1 10th
Super Add: #10 Leadwithyourchin 5-1 5th

7th: CLM, 3-4yo, 6f (P3, DD. Super)

Most Likely: #3 SCR
Best Value: #6 Don’t Blame the Cat 5-1 6th
Next Best: #1 Chasing Ted 4-1 5th
Super Add: #7 End of Conversation 8-1 3rd

8th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super)

Best Value: #6 The Cognac Kid 6-1 3rd
Next Best: #12 SCR
Exotics Use: #7 Gator Tiger 3-1 WON ($6.40)
Super Add: #8 Chosen Empire 10-1 6th

9th: ALW/N1X, 3+, 8.5f (P4, DD, Super)

Most Likely: #4 Hunter’s Bay 3-1 WON ($4.60)
Best Value: #8 Harmonizer 10-1 4th
Next Best: #6 Numb Lips 5-1 5th
Super Add: #1 Charles Russell 8-1 8th

10th: 57th United Nations (G1), 3+, 11f-T (P3, DD, Super)

Fascinating version of this famous turf test with a shocking amount of front-end runners signed on, and Precious Passion isn’t even involved.. Inclined to expect a rousing finish similar to what you saw in Winchester’s Manhattan win Belmont Day..

Best Value: #8 Chinchon 5-1 WON ($9.60)
Next Best: #5 Winchester 7-2 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Jeune-Turc 10-1 8th
Super Add: #1 Telling 10-1 6th

<$75 P5 Play:

6: 4-5-6-10-11-12
7: 1-6
8: 6-7
9: 4-8
10: 5-6-8

6x2x2x2x3 = 144 x .50 = $72

11th: 63rd Salvator Mile (G3), 3+, 1m (DD)

Only 5 signed on but a quirky little event..

Best Value: #2 Le Grand Cru 4-1 4th
Next Best: #4 Duke of Mischief 3-1 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 You and I Forever 5-2 3rd

12th: CLM/N3L, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super)

Most Likely: #8 I’m Sure 4-1 10th
Best Value: #7 Black Hawk Soaring 10-1 8th
Next Best: #6 Empty Handed 3-1 4th
Super Add: #12 Into the Wind 5-1 6th

@$75 P4 Play:

9: 4-8
10: 5-8
11: ALL
12: 6-7-8-12

2x2x5x4 = $80