Big Weekend at Belmont

BIG WEEKEND AT BELMONT

Belmont Park plays host to a trio of Grade 1 races on Saturday, a pair for the babies and one for some of the top grass milers on the East Coast. The $250,000 Jamaica H. (G1) will be led by Grade 1 hero Brilliant Speed, who returned with a fine tally in the Saranac S. (G3) at Saratoga last time. The Tom Albertrani trainee is arguably best on the turf and could be a big Breeders' Cup player with a top showing today in advance of the Championships.

French import Bubble Chic has run well versus some fine foes overseas but has settled for second on seven occasions for sharp horseman Guiseppe Botti. Jersey Derby winner Breathless Storm, Hall of Fame S. (G2) winner Big Blue Kitten, who has bagged five races in succession, Dwyer S. (G2) third Cool Blue Red Hot and Team Valor's Crimson China add to the depth of this field.

The $400,000 Champagne S. (G1) for the boys is turning out to be a nice mix of promising youngsters. Unbeaten Hopeful S. (G1) winner Currency Swap is the one to beat and catch in this one for Terri Pompay, and the son of High Cotton shows a few nice works leading up to this.

Alpha was a superb debut winner at Saratoga a few weeks back and could be any kind for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The son of Bernardini is bred to run long and could have a very bright future. Big Blue Nation was a good third from off the pace in the Hopeful S. (G1) and has every right to improve today for Todd Pletcher. Impressive maiden winner Takes the Gold and Space Race also deserve a look in this important juvenile test.

In the $400,000 Frizette S. (G1), Adirnodack S. (G3) heroine My Miss Aurelia and Spinaway S. (G1) victress Grace Hall figure to battle for favoritism.