There will be plenty of activities this Saturday at Belmont Park, culminating with the 47th running of the Grade 1 $500,000 Woodward Stakes.
Beginning at 10 a.m., there will be an auction of thoroughbred memorabilia to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The auction is conducted outside the Belmont Cafe on the first floor of the grandstand. A collection of 86 items will be up for bid.
With each paid admission while supplies last, each fan will receive a free T-shirt with the Belmnont Park 2000 Fall Championship Meet logo on it. Then there will be three graded stakes on the card. It starts with the Grade 2 $200,000 Belmont Breeders’ Cup Handicap, followed by the Grade 1 $250,000 Ruffian, and ending with the Woodward. There will also be live full-card simulcasting of the Kentucky Cup card from Turfway Park.
1st RACE – After dominating New Jersey again, Joe Bravo is back to make his mark on the local jockey colony. He trailed the field early with 32-1 Good Boy Sam, made a wide move on the turn to reach contention and then closed with a powerful rush in the stretch to gain the lead and the victory. It was another longshot turf winner for Gary Sciacca and the first for Bravo in New York since he left for California in February. Stroke Recovery set the pace and held well to be second.
2nd RACE – Tony and Shaye rated off the pace while in between horses. Julio Pezua kept Tony and Shaye boxed in on the far turn and never was able to get him out of trouble. By the time he got him into a clear running lane, it was too late and he ended up third. Saratoga Nights broke slowly, moved up on the rai and angled outside in the stretch but couldn’t catch Dontoverdoit for the victory.
3rd RACE – Olerud broke well to set the pace while being pressed by Crypto Child. He edged away on the far turn and tried to draw off, but he started to tire badly and was virtually begging to be caught in the stretch. But the field behind him were just as tired and could not make up much ground. Despite running the final eighth in :14 4/5, Olerud held on for the victory. It was the first victory for Filiberto Leon at a NYRA track since he rode Evvy to victory on July 23.
5th RACE – Despite being rank again, Point of America went to the front and set the pace, with Bulling stalking outside of him. On the far turn, Point of America edged away and then was able to hold off Workaholic in the stretch for the victory. Favored Yeowzer saved ground early and was in good striking position on the outside while turning for home. But he came up empty again in the stretch and got the screaming chalk players to vent their anger after the race.
6th RACE – Cataballerina rated off the pace while saving ground. She moved up on the far turn and was caught behind pacesetting Tap Dance and Majority Whip while turning for home. She was able to angle outside but was not able to catch Tap Dance for the victory. Carry All was caught four-wide on the far turn and tired in the stretch drive.
10th RACE – Mandarin Marsh rated off the pace and then lost ground on the far turn when he had to steady. He recovered quickly and put in a strong run on the rail in the stretch to gain the show spot. Storm’n Eddy was scratched in the paddock due to illegal shoes.
YESTERDAY’S CLAIM
2nd RACE – Saratoga Nights ($50,000) by Steve Klesaris.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers 7-4-2-1-7-3
12 winners; each receives $41,489.00
365 consolation (5 of 6) winners
each receives $294.00
No carryover.