ARLINGTON PARK

Dr. Feelgood: Broke 10th, raced more than 18 lengths behind in 11th after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, made up 6 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on June 14.

Poschner: Raced more than six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, moved up in the stretch to fourth, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf June 9.

Metts Ready: Raced off rail in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, made up more than 4 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at 6 ½ furlongs on May 26. (Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, surged to lead in stretch and drew off by 3 ¾ lengths under urging at a mile on June 10.)

BELMONT

Victory Assured: Raced fourth early, dropped back to sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied in traffic on far turn, steadied in stretch racing fourth and finished second beaten a length at 1 1/8 miles on a good inner turf course June 13.

Rizzi’s Twist: Stumbled badly at start, bumped, raced eighth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 6 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on June 10; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Exton: Broke eighth, crowded at start, raced three wide in sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to third in stretch, finished well to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 24. (Led by a head from the start pressed by three different rivals, dug in gamely in stretch and prevailed by a nose at 1 1/16 miles at Belmont on June 13.)

Sweet Ransom: Rank in gate, raced 9 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied wide to challenge leader at six furlong marker, bumped with winner in upper stretch and lost by three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf May 4. (Pressed pace a length back in third after a half-mile, advanced three wide approaching stretch, drew clear in mid-stretch by 1 ½ lengths and won by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 7.)

CALDER

Angel Made: Hit gate at start, raced seventh early, advanced to sixth in stretch and gained second by a nose at 4 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface June 15.

Cajulena: Hit gate at break, steadied to avoid pulled up rival on backstretch, raced four lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied to third in stretch and gained second by a half-length at five furlongs on a good turf course May 25.

Angel Wings: Flew out of the gate on rail to the front, led by three after a half-mile, drew off through the stretch to win by 12 ¾ lengths in a hand ride at six furlongs on May 14.

Lady Tropicana: Trailed by 13 lengths after a half-mile, swung out in 10th for drive, rallied to sixth in stretch, made up 4 ¾ lengths and finished full of run second by a head at a mile on the grass May 6; ran final quarter in 23 1/5. (Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, angled three wide on far turn, grabbed lead by five lengths and won by 12 ½ lengths ridden out at 1 1/16 miles on May 27.)

Swift Mercedes: Pinched back at break, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, closed well from seventh in stretch to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf April 25. (Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by 2 ½ lengths after a half-mile and cruised to a 7 ½-length victory at six furlongs on June 7.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Smokin’ Spirit: Bobbled at break, swerved out, rushed up to press pace a half-length back after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground entering stretch, made up 1 ½ lengths and lost by a length at 5 ½ furlongs on June 15.

Smart Bunny: Drifted in at break, raced sixth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide into the lane, made up nearly three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at six furlongs on June 9; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Euphoric: Bumped at break by third-place finisher, trailed early, advanced to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to fifth in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on May 25; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 4/5.

Whatsthescript: Encountered trouble racing fifth along backstretch, advanced to fourth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to sixth, worked way out five wide for drive, blocked briefly in stretch, closed from fourth to make up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course May 9.

Tell It All: Raced fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied when faded rival lost rider, carried extremely wide around turn losing ground to last, recovered advancing to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on May 1.

Nonesuch Kiss: Raced sixth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied five wide approaching stretch, took over about sixteenth pole and drew off by 1 ¼ lengths at seven furlongs on May 16; returned $16.20 on front end. (Raced fourth early, dropped back to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled rivals into the stretch to gain second and prevailed by three-quarters of a length at a mile on June 9; returned $34 on the front end.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Big Bad Leroybrown: Raced ninth early, dropped back to 10th more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, rallied between rivals from eighth, made up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a neck and three-quarters of a length at 7 ½ furlongs on June 14.

My City by the Bay: Broke last, trailed by more than six lengths after a half-mile, swung three deep into stretch, made up more than 2 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on the turf June 10.

Brooker: Trailed early, raced six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside three deep into stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on May 25; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

Vaunt: A bit slow to begin, trailed inside by three lengths after a half-mile, came out entering stretch, closed willingly from fourth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on the turf April 27.

Red Opal: Raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, drifted in a bit, rallied to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on the turf April 25; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

INDIANA DOWNS

Hold the Salt: Raced sixth four wide six lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, closed determinedly from third in stretch and won by a half-length at five furlongs on May 28 at Churchill Downs. (Chased leader three lengths behind in second after a half-mile, saved ground moving to lead in stretch and drew off by 5 ½ lengths at a mile on the turf June 16.)

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Trivali: Steadied leaving chute, fell back to eighth in tight on backstretch, advanced a bit, steadied again, dropped to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into the lane, rallied to fourth in stretch and dead-heated for second at seven furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface June 10.

Livvy Leigh: Raced 10th more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came widest from seventh losing ground entering stretch, made up 12 lengths and lost by a head at a mile on the turf May 13; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced eighth early, dropped to last more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, encountered heavy traffic turning for home, advanced to sixth in stretch, altered course to outside looking for room at furlong marker, closed fast to make up 5 ¾ lengths and gained third by a half-length at about a mile on the turf May 25; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.)

MONMOUTH

Chollie One: Trailed early, moved to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground into the lane, rallied from fourth between rivals to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a head at six furlongs on June 13.

Collision: Raced fifth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, went four wide into stretch, made up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length on June 9.

Absolved: Raced third early, checked in traffic at half-mile pole, dropped to fourth 2 ½ lengths behind, saved ground to turn, made up two lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on May 12. (Dueled for lead a head in front through a half-mile and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on May 28.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Yo Cuz: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth going widest entering stretch, rallied to make up more than 1 ½ lengths and finished second by a nose beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on June 17.

Thermostatic: Raced outside fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, closed with a late surge to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ lengths on the turf June 9.

Storm a Brewing: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide into stretch, made up more than seven lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a nose at six furlongs on May 12. (Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, split rivals at quarter pole and won by 3 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on June 9.)

Precisely Sue: Tracked pace more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, shuffled back between rivals midway around turn, closed in final furlong to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a head at six furlongs on March 27.

Cabo Rojo: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside to fifth in stretch, made up more 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

PIMLICO

Songapproved: Raced 10th more than 10 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied along rail in stretch from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 24. (Raced 10th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch very wide, grabbed lead by a length and won by 1 ½ lengths ridden out at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 7; returned $15.60 on the front end.)

Red Da Riotact: Fractious in gate, raced eighth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, checked in traffic near quarter pole, rallied outside from sixth to make up 5 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at five furlongs on the turf May 6 at Pimlico. (Raced third more than two lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground to fourth entering stretch and finished third on a muddy track at five furlongs June 4 at Philadelphia Park.)

SUFFOLK DOWNS

Could Be You: Dueled for lead a half-length in front after a half-mile, surged clear in stretch and drew off by 7 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 9. (Raced three lengths behind in third after a half-mile, battled gamely in stretch, but couldn’t improve position and finished third beaten a nose and a half-length at six furlongs on June 2.)

Summer Stakes to Feature Cream of Racing Crop

The long hot summer should be especially hot when it comes to stakes races. That’s because there is a plethora of stakes at tracks across the country worth big bucks.

For instance, Belmont Park offers the $400,000 Grade 1 Suburban for 3-year-olds and up on June 30. Invasor, 2006 Horse of the Year, hopes to become only the second thoroughbred in 121 runnings to post back-to-back victories. Crusader did in ’26 and ’27.

Likely contenders in the 1 ¼-mile Grade 1 contest are Corinthian, winner of Belmont’s $600,000 Met Mile, and Harlington, victorious in a Belmont allowance race after more than a yearlong layoff because of an ankle injury.

On the same afternoon across the country, the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at 1 ¼ miles will pit two-time defending champion Lava Man against Lone Star Handicap winner against Bob and John. Other contenders include Mervyn LeRoy Handicap victor Molengao and possibly El Roblar, victorious in the Ack Ack Handicap.

On July 4, the $150,000 Dwyer will attract several top 3-year-olds including Nobiz Like Showbiz, winner of Aqueduct’s Wood Memorial who ran 10th in the Kentucky Derby, and Sightseeing, runner-up in the Wood who triumphed in the Peter Pan.

On July 7, Calder Race Course hosts the eighth Summit of Speed with purses totaling $2 million.

The eight stakes include a pair of $500,000 contests: the Grade 1 Princess Rooney Handicap at six furlongs for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up and the Smile Sprint Handicap at six furlongs for 3-year-olds and up.

Several other Grade 1 stakes for older horses include:

The $750,000 Whitney at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga on July 28, the $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at 1 1/8 miles on June 30, the $750,000 United Nations Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on the turf at Monmouth on July 7, the Arlington Million at 1 ¼ miles on the turf Aug. 11 and the $1 million Pacific Classic at 1 ¼ miles at Del Mar on Aug. 19.

The racing spotlight will shine brightly on 3-year-olds during the summer. Saratoga’s $500,000 Jim Dandy at 1 1/8 miles on July 29 has attracted C P West, Nobiz Like Showbiz and Street Sense depending on whether the Kentucky Derby winner passes on the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth on Aug. 5.

The Haskell is already the choice of three horses because the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic will be staged at Monmouth on Oct. 27: Preakness victor Curlin, Kentucky Derby runner-up Hard Spun and Lone Star Derby winner Slew’s Tizzy.

“It’s all about winning the Classic,” said Curlin’s trainer. Steve Asmussen. “By running in the Haskell, we can find out how he’ll handle that track and see what adjustments we need to make.”

The $1 million Travers on Aug. 25 at Saratoga most likely will pit Belmont winner Rags to Riches against the boys again. She is headed to Belmont’s $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 ¼ miles on July 21, trainer Todd Pletcher said, then run in North America’s oldest major race on Aug. 25.

Others already committed to the Travers that was first staged in 1864 are Street Sense, Nobiz Like Showbiz and Teuflesberg, victorious in the Woody Stephens Breeders’ Cup on Belmont Day.

There most likely will be other runners.

ARLINGTON PARK

Poschner: Raced more than six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, moved up in the stretch to fourth, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf June 9.

Metts Ready: Raced off rail in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, made up more than 4 ¼ lengths and gained second by a nose at 6 ½ furlongs on May 26. (Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, surged to lead in stretch and drew off by 3 ¾ lengths under urging at a mile on June 10.)

BELMONT

Rizzi’s Twist: Stumbled badly at start, bumped, raced eighth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 6 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on June 10; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Exton: Broke eighth, crowded at start, raced three wide in sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to third in stretch, finished well to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 24.

Sweet Ransom: Rank in gate, raced 9 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied wide to challenge leader at six furlong marker, bumped with winner in upper stretch and lost by three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf May 4. (Pressed pace a length back in third after a half-mile, advanced three wide approaching stretch, drew clear in mid-stretch by 1 ½ lengths and won by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 7.)

Fearless Vision: Chased pace 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive and gained second by a head at 1 1/8 miles on March 31. (Tracked pace outside in fourth close up, rallied to second in stretch, dug in gamely and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at 1 1/8 miles on May 20.)

CALDER

Cajulena: Hit gate at break, steadied to avoid pulled up rival on backstretch, raced four lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied to third in stretch and gained second by a half-length at five furlongs on a good turf course May 25.

Angel Wings: Flew out of the gate on rail to the front, led by three after a half-mile, drew off through the stretch to win by 12 ¾ lengths in a hand ride at six furlongs on May 14.

Lady Tropicana: Trailed by 13 lengths after a half-mile, swung out in 10th for drive, rallied to sixth in stretch, made up 4 ¾ lengths and finished full of run second by a head at a mile on the grass May 6; ran final quarter in 23 1/5. (Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, angled three wide on far turn, grabbed lead by five lengths and won by 12 ½ lengths ridden out at 1 1/16 miles on May 27.)

Swift Mercedes: Pinched back at break, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, closed well from seventh in stretch to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and three-quarters of a length at a mile on the turf April 25. (Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by 2 ½ lengths after a half-mile and cruised to a 7 ½-length victory at six furlongs on June 7.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Smart Bunny: Drifted in at break, raced sixth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide into the lane, made up nearly three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at six furlongs on June 9; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Euphoric: Bumped at break by third-place finisher, trailed early, advanced to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to fifth in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on May 25; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 4/5.

Hold the Salt: Bumped at break, forced out on rival, raced fifth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground rallying five wide to third in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and lost by a neck at five furlongs on the turf on May 13. (Raced sixth four wide six lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, closed determinedly from third in stretch and won by a half-length at five furlongs on May 28.)

Whatsthescript: Encountered trouble racing fifth along backstretch, advanced to fourth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to sixth, worked way out five wide for drive, blocked briefly in stretch, closed from fourth to make up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course May 9.

Tell It All: Raced fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied when faded rival lost rider, carried extremely wide around turn losing ground to last, recovered advancing to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at a mile on May 1.

Nonesuch Kiss: Raced sixth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied five wide approaching stretch, took over about sixteenth pole and drew off by 1 ¼ lengths at seven furlongs on May 16; returned $16.20 on front end. (Raced fourth early, dropped back to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled rivals into the stretch to gain second and prevailed by three-quarters of a length at a mile on June 9; returned $34 on the front end.)

DELAWARE PARK

Queen of the Turf: Raced sixth early, fell back to eighth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, checked in tight quarters on far turn, dropped to ninth four wide for the drive, angled in advancing to fifth in stretch, rallied to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf April 27 at Calder. (Raced sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, made a sweeping move to gain the lead put of the far turn, drew off by 3 ½ lengths in mid-stretch and prevailed by 1 ¼ lengths under brisk handling at about 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 23.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

My City by the Bay: Broke last, trailed by more than six lengths after a half-mile, swung three deep into stretch, made up more than 2 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on the turf June 10.

Brooker: Trailed early, raced six lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside three deep into stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on May 25; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

Vaunt: A bit slow to begin, trailed inside by three lengths after a half-mile, came out entering stretch, closed willingly from fourth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on the turf April 27.

Red Opal: Raced seventh early, dropped to eighth more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, drifted in a bit, rallied to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on the turf April 25; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Livvy Leigh: Raced 10th more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came widest from seventh losing ground entering stretch, made up 12 lengths and lost by a head at a mile on the turf May 13; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced eighth early, dropped to last more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, encountered heavy traffic turning for home, advanced to sixth in stretch, altered course to outside looking for room at furlong marker, closed fast to make up 5 ¾ lengths and gained third by a half-length at about a mile on the turf May 25; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.)

MONMOUTH

Collision: Raced fifth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, went four wide into stretch, made up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length on June 9.

Absolved: Raced third early, checked in traffic at half-mile pole, dropped to fourth 2 ½ lengths behind, saved ground to turn, made up two lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on May 12. (Dueled for lead a head in front through a half-mile and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on May 28.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Thermostatic: Raced outside fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, closed with a late surge to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ lengths on the turf June 9.

Storm a Brewing: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide into stretch, made up more than seven lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a nose at six furlongs on May 12. (Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, split rivals at quarter pole and won by 3 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on June 9.)

Precisely Sue: Tracked pace more than 2 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, shuffled back between rivals midway around turn, closed in final furlong to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a head at six furlongs on March 27.

Cabo Rojo: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside to fifth in stretch, made up more 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

PIMLICO

Songapproved: Raced 10th more than 10 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied along rail in stretch from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 24. (Raced 10th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch very wide, grabbed lead by a length and won by 1 ½ lengths ridden out at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 7; returned $15.60 on the front end.)

Red Da Riotact: Fractious in gate, raced eighth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, checked in traffic near quarter pole, rallied outside from sixth to make up 5 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at five furlongs on the turf May 6 at Pimlico. (Raced third more than two lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground to fourth entering stretch and finished third on a muddy track at five furlongs June 4 at Philadelphia Park.)

SUFFOLK DOWNS

Could Be You: Dueled for lead a half-length in front after a half-mile, surged clear in stretch and drew off by 7 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 9. (Raced three lengths behind in third after a half-mile, battled gamely in stretch, but couldn’t improve position and finished third beaten a nose and a half-length at six furlongs on June 2.)

How the 139th Belmont Stakes Shapes Up

The third and oldest jewel of the Triple Crown appears to be a two-horse race between Curlin, the 6-5 morning line favorite, and Hard Spun, the 5-2 second choice.
The absence of Street Sense has ushered in a couple more challengers, but they shouldn’t alter the results. Here’s a look at the horses and how they should finish in Saturday’s 139th Belmont:
Imawildandcrazyguy: Sure, he finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby. But the son of Wild Event, 20-1, has only two victories in a dozen trips – both last year at Calder where he defeated optional claimers six races after he broke his maiden. Hitting the board would be an accomplishment.
C P West: The son of Came Home hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since last August when he broke his maiden. Edgar Prado returns after guiding him  to fourth in the Preakness. The 12-1 runner won’t be higher this time around.
Slew’s Tizzy: Despite going for his third consecutive triumph, the son of Tisnow, 20-1, hasn’t scored against first-tier 3-year-olds, finishing seventh behind Circular Quay in the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. A big plus: Rafael Bejarano climbs aboard for trainer Gregory Fox. A big negative: He hasn’t raced beyond 1 1/16 miles and this test is 1 ½ miles. He could fight it out for third.
Rags to Riches: Trainer Todd Pletcher decided to let the Kentucky Oaks winner, 3-1, take on the boys. The daughter of A. P. Indy, who won the ’92 Belmont, has captured all four starts this year, including three Grade 1 events, averaging more than a four-length margin. Her sire ranks first in earnings with $4.26 million through June 1. His siblings won 49 of 121 races. She could finish third.
Tiago: Lightly raced son of Pleasant Tap, 10-1, is bred to go long and will be coming from way back like he did winning the Santa Anita Derby. But he must be considerably closer than he was in the Kentucky Derby when he made up just two lengths in the stretch to finish 10 lengths back in seventh. He should finish third.
Hard Spun: Covering the distance shouldn’t be a problem. The son of the late Danzig, who sired ’86 Belmont winner Danzig Connection, has an equally outstanding dam sire in Turkoman. And he’s the only horse with triple digit speed figures in the last three races. Garrett Gomez might mean the difference between winning and finishing second.
Curlin: A victory in the Belmont would seal his superstar status. He should avoid the trouble he encountered in the previous Triple Crown legs with the smaller field. His sire, Smart Strike, ranks third in earnings as his siblings earned $3.6 million through June 1, winning 42 times in 118 outings. Robby Albardo won’t allow Steve Asmussen’s pride and joy to lose.