MUST WATCH Memorial Day Races

Happy Memorial Day to everyone!  While the old tradition of the Met Mile being held on Memorial Day is out the window, it doesn’t mean that the day is a complete wash for quality racing.  Here are the races you need to watch today on what is a “sneaky good” line up of races.

Belmont Park

Race 7: Kingston Stakes – It’s New York Bred day at Belmont Park today, and the Kingston Stakes seems to be the highlight of the entire card.  If you like New York Breds several of your favorite horses will be running throughout the card, but this one features veterans such as King Kreesa, Lubash, and Kharafa.  These horses have entertained us for years, and will look to do so once again today!

Churchill Downs

Race 7: Allowance Optional Claimer – This race features the return of Jazzy Times!  He was an ultra impressive winner of a maiden special weight on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs in his first lifetime start.  It was said he could be running in the Woody Stephens on Belmont Stakes Day, however with this entry perhaps that may not be the case.  No matter what the future plan is this horse could be a rising star in the game, and he’s one you’ll want to watch today.

Golden Gate

Race 6: All American Stakes (Grade 3) – Local trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has three in this race, as well as several other Southern California trainers that have come north for this grade 3 event.  There isn’t a standout in this one, or a super star, which means it will be one of the better betting races of the day.

Lone Star Park

Race 9: Lone Star Handicap (Grade 3) – California shipper Cyrus Alexander adds flavor to what could be a very solid race.  The rest of the field is filled with local talent, including last years Oklahoma Derby winner Shotgun Cowboy.  He’s failed to run his best as of late, but could get back on track here against this group.  Iron horse Carve is back in this race once again, as well as Supermason who loves the track at here.  Al Stall also brings in Rocket Time who has been running well as of late.

Prairie Meadows

Race 8: Jim Rasmussen Memorial Stakes – You won’t see the big names in this race, but several local horses will line up as this serves as a prep for the Grade 3 Cornhusker.  Domain’s Rap is a desesrving favorite after finishing second to Upstart in the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn earlier in the year, but will have to contend with the defending champion of this race which is Jessica’s Star.  Other horses like Smack Smack, Ecleto Red, and Code West are classy enough to make an impact as well.

Santa Anita

Race 8: Gamely Stakes (Grade 1) – Headlined by Wekeela who makes her second career start in America after finishing second to the great Tepin last time out.  She “only” lost by five lengths, and was a length and a half clear of her main rival in today’s race Illuminant.  Both of these fillies will be happy to get away from Tepin today, but will still have some strong California horses to contend with.  The main threat could be Nancy from Nairobi who comes into this off three straight victories as she’s found her footing nicely in he United States.