Lots of very tough races today. Given all the work I did on the horses to watch and this week’s blog, I won’t have time to make full comments, but the handicapping is top notch as always. Picks assume all turf races stay on the turf. Selections are prior to scratches.

Race 1      5-6-3

Coturnix ran well first out in 2015 and has the best last race figure. Cozy Kitten has been with better and Maker/Castellano is hitting at 28%. Sharp Omar has been with better and has a good in the money percentage.

Race 2      5-6-10

Stickstatelydude looked strong first out and has been the distance. Conquest Nitro comes off the synthetic but is best bred for the dirt. Ready Dancer goes first time for Pletcher/Velasquez.

Race 3      3-1-6

Knuckle Curve broke his maiden in dominating fashion and has the best last race figure. Waco has been at the NW1X level for a while but his lone win was at SAR. A longshot with prospects. First Down has been over his head in his last two graded events and is at a much better level today.

Race 4      5-6-7

Vouch for Kitten just missed last out and has the best last race figure. Coming Attraction improved when moved to the turf and is primed today. Mama Tembo goes first time for Pletcher. Long workout pattern but he should take well to the turf.

Race 5      4-3-7

The Amsterdam is named after the town where I grew up about 45 minutes drive from SAR. This is a good looking group of three year old sprinters. March, Victory is Sweet, and Holy Boss all have excellent qualifications. I’m going with the speed of the speed, Victory is Sweet, but this may be as much a watching race as a betting race.

Race 6      10-6-9-12

Wayward Kitten comes out of a restricted stakes and should find this field softer. Johnson City Kid has been in the vicinity and fits at this level. Lone Trader goes for Hushion/Ortiz and that combo is 32%. My Team ran well in the Grade 3 Kent at DEL and should have an easier time in this group.

Race 7      5-6-12-9

Go Around looked good for Mott first time with winners. Ocean Telegraph puts the blinkers on for Albertrani and has looked much improved since moved to the turf. Macagone has been knocking with this level a while but has been competitive. Request just missed last out and has been running consistent numbers.

Race 8      6-2-3

The Vanderbilt is the sprint for older horses. The three big NY sprinters are entered – The Big Beast, Salutos Amigos, and Rock Fall. Any one of the three could be the winner, but I’ll go with the Big Beast who won the King’s Bishop on this track last year.

Race 9      3-7-1

The Bowling Green is one of the premier turf races at the meet. I’m going with the horses with Grade 1/2 credentials, and the rising star. Imagining likes SAR and has been with some of the best. Main Sequence won’t be here to ruin his day this year. Innovation Economy just won the BEL Gold Cup and looks to be on the improve. Red Rifle recovered from a horrible run in the Gold Cup to win the Dominion Day at Woodbine.

Race 10   3-7-4

The Jim Dandy has a small but talented field. Last year’s BC Juvenile winner Texas Red goes as does my Derby pick Frosted. Triple Crown hopeful Upstart also goes. As much as I hate picking against Frosted I think Texas Red has more than we’ve seen and today 100% of him shows up.

Race 11   9-1-4-6

Draft Day has one race, one win and gets Lasix today. Dark Roast has been at the condition a while but is always close. Banana Thief has a win at SAR and looks to be in good condition. Pegasus Red fits the conditions and has competitive figures.