MORNING LINE LEADS MET MILE CAST
The standout event at Belmont over the Holiday weekend is Monday’s $500,000 Metropolitan H. (G1). This all-important one-mile race has attracted a strong field of probables, including recent Carter H. (G1) winner Morning Line. The ultra-talented Nick Zito trainee seemingly never runs a bad race and could be best at this mile trip. The son of Tiznow should be in the hunt from the opening bell.
Aikenite has won two straight, including a victory in the Churchill Downs H. (G2) on Derby Day, and is one of a trio of Pletcher entries in here. Ibboyee, third in the Churchill, and Caixa Electronica, who bagged the Westchester S. (G3) last time, are the others.
Grade 1 hero Haynesfield, surging multiple Grade 2 winner Tackleberry, Charles Town Classic (G3) hero Duke of Mischief, Grade 2 victor Soaring Empire, Carter fourth Kensei and graded star Tizway, add to the depth of this fine event.
Also on Monday is the $150,000 Sands Point S. (G2) for sophomore fillies on the lawn. Winter Memories, second as the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile fillies Turf (G2) last year, started off her three-year-old season with a nice win in the Appalachian S. (G3) at Keeneland, and is the one to beat here. The Jimmy Toner trainee has done little wrong to date and is a winner over this lawn.
Appalachian second Dos Lunas and smart recent winners Naples Bay, Mythical Star and Celestial Kitten are among the top threats to the daughter of El Prado.
The $150,000 Sheepshead Bay S. (G2) is the Saturday feature, with Chilean champion Belle Watling and Grade 1 lass Hibaayeb the top draws.