New York Showcase Day at Belmont. Fields are big and the races are competitive. Off the turf for races 1 & 6. The main track is fast.

Race 2: The Iroquois for older filly & mare sprinters features a matchup between Holiday Disguise and Highway Star, both prior graded stakes winners vs. open company and dropping out of the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom. They take on the up-and-coming Satisfy exiting an easy win over allowance rivals for Bill Mott. Picco Uno is capable of race that would win this when in the mood, but it is not easy to tell when she is going to show up with that race. I prefer Holiday Disguise. 

Race 3: The Mohawk for the older turf set. These horses are very familiar with each other and they do tend to take turns on the track. I'm hoping that today is Tapitation's day. He is looking for his first win since May of 2016, but he has been in solid form lately while not necessarily getting the run on the race in his most recent races. His effort three back when 2nd to Blacktype was a good effort, and I didn't think he had an ideal trip when down inside and winding up in tight two back in the West Point. Last time he was wide and trying to stay close to front-running Black Tide before weakening in the stretch. With a trip he is capable of pulling off the upset. 

Race 4: The Hudson for older sprinters. Another open race with several contenders. I prefer Gold for the King, exiting the kind of sloppy track race at Saratoga that doesn't really suit him. He took no prisoners two back when going right from the gates and wiring a field with a 102 Beyer, which was the right move for a horse who has frequently been unlucky in his races. He won't be on the lead this time, but he doesn't need to be. 

Race 5: The Ticonderoga for older FM turf horses. Intriguing matchup between the raging La Moneda and the ultra-consistent Fifty Five. La Moneda's tactical speed gives her an edge, one she took full advantage of when holding off Fifty Five in the Yaddo at Saratoga. It really comes down to the two of them, though Lady Joan ran an excellent race in her own right in the Yaddo and has an outside chance to defeat at least one of her main rivals once again. 

Race 7: The Maid of the Mist, for 2yo fillies. The key may be to stand against the horses exiting the Gimma last month, which was run at a very slow pace. Certainly, Cartwheelin Lulu took advantage in that spot when somehow turned loose on that slow pace. I'm taking a shot with the maiden Galadriel's Light, who was off slow and racing on late in her career debut, which she really appeared to need. There is no one else to get all that interested in, especially over this distance. I thought about taking Time Warp on top as she returns from Keeneland, as she has an excuse two back when breaking through the gate, but I didn't love her last race - open company or not.

Race 8:  The Sleepy Hollow, for 2yo colts. I went with Market Bubble, who is making his dirt debut in this spot. They paid up for this horse back in March and he was impressive winning his career debut sprinting on turf. I'll forgive his Laurel Futurity, which was run over a bog. He has enough pedigree to suggest that he can handle dirt and the stretch out. 

Race 9: The Empire Distaff. A strong race featuring several in form horses for top trainers and a few improving 3yos. I like the form Bonita Bianca has been in for Jason Servis this year, and I don't think it's just because they have concentrated on sprinting with her. She was fine going long last year as a 3yo and was actually favored in this race. I like her switching back from an odd turf try last time. I'm using the 3yos Take Charge Aubrey and Split Time with her.  

Race 10: Empire Classic. Realizing that this is a tough spot, I am taking a shot with a much improved Calculated Risker at a price. He will need much to go his way, but he has the right running style for this race and he really has shown noticeable improvement since being claimed by Ray Handal. Pat of the Back is the horse to beat in current form, though his edge is not so significant and, while he was likely best last time in the Shipman over this distance, this race is likely to be run at a much faster pace.