The needed Mopolka do put him in a good mood heading into the weekend. An angry Ductor is not what Belmont Park wants to see, but it what they’re getting. Empire Showcase Day is always a solid card with difficult NY Bread races. Well, difficult for passengers. Let’s Ride.
Race 7: 6½ Furlongs. S.Hudson H.
This is a very competitive sequence and the first race is no easy task. The Conductor sees them flying up front in here, so he is going to look for horses that can sit off the pace and finish down the lane.
#6 Big Engine (5/1) – He got a nice trip last time and got the job done and looks to get the same setup again today. He’ll sit right behind the speed and will be ready to pounce.
#2 Captain Bombastic (6/1) – The Conductor is going to ignore this colt’s non effort last time. He gets back to Belmont today where he is 3/3 and Saez has ridden him in his last two victories. His run in the Jerkens was very solid and he’ll gets a perfect setup here.
Other Contenders: #8 T Loves a Fight (4/1), #7 My Boy Tate (3/1)
Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. (Inner Turf) S.Mohawk Stakes
The Conductor is going to toss the runners coming out of the West Point and use the two Maker runners #7 Somelikeithotbrown (9/5) and #8 Cross Border (5/2). Their class should get the job done.
#2 Opt (20/1) – Stretching back out to his best distance, this gelding is steadily progressing and fits with this group. The connections will keep him a big price and he can absolutely hit the board.
Race 9: 6½ Furlongs. F.S. Iroquois Stakes
*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 Collegeville Girl (15/1) – This race is wide open and a case can be made for almost every runner. This filly will be a big price and looks to get a nice trip with a hot pace to close into. Her figures fit with this group and the Conductor likes that Rosario takes the mount for an out of town trainer.
Other Contenders: #1 Newly Minted (5/2), #9 Timely Tradition (5/1)
Race 10: 1 1/8 Mile. S.Empire Classic
#3 Funny Guy (2/1) – He’s clearly the one to beat but stretching out from 6 furlongs to 1 1/8 mile makes the Conductor a little nervous.
#7 Sea Foam (4/1) – He’s going the right direction while #2 Mr Buff (5/2) is going the wrong one. Of the two speed horses, the Conductor will only use Sea Foam.
#8 Evaluator (12/1) – He’s had trouble staying on the track but has always had talent. Entering today after a blowout win in the slop, the Conductor sees him firing top effort today.
Race 11: 7 Furlongs. (Turf) S.Alw 72000n1x
Hold on to your metaphorical nuts if you’re a filly and real nuts if you’re a colt and are alive to this last leg. This race is absolute chaos to close out Empire Showcase Day. The Conductor prefers the lightly raced horses with upside in here.
Contenders: #3 Smite (10/1), #4 Steelersfanforlife (15/1), #5 Three Outlaws (8/1), #7 Advanced Strategy (5/2), #8 Uncle George (5/2), #11 On the Couch (12/1)
