The Excitement of New York Racing Association Cross Country Pick 5
This week’s New York Racing Association Cross Country Pick 5 offers an exhilarating lineup of stakes races from Monmouth Park, Saratoga, and Woodbine. From the Grade 1 Haskell Stakes to the Grade 3 Caress Stakes, horse racing enthusiasts are in for a thrilling experience. Let’s dive into the details of each leg, highlighting the talented contenders and the excitement they bring to the track.
Leg A: Grade 3 Monmouth Cup
Kicking off the Cross Country Pick 5 is the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup, a challenging nine-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up. This race sets the tone for the sequence, featuring top trainers and talented horses. Highly Motivated and Pipeline, both trained by the renowned Chad Brown, are strong contenders in this race. Highly Motivated, a Derby veteran, arrives with a recent allowance win, while Pipeline impressed with a dominant victory at Aqueduct. However, they face fierce competition from local favorite Rough Sea, who showcased tremendous speed and skill in a previous Monmouth Park allowance race.
Leg B: Grade 2 Connaught Cup
The second leg takes us across the border to Woodbine for the Grade 2 Connaught Cup, a thrilling seven-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up. The field boasts two Grade 1 winners: Shirl’s Speight and Silent Poet. Shirl’s Speight, who claimed a Grade 1 victory on dirt earlier this year, returns to turf after a third-place finish in the Salvator Mile. Silent Poet, the 2020 Connaught Cup champion, aims to reclaim his title on the Woodbine turf. Joining them are notable contenders Tap It to Win, March to the Arch, and Brazilian Group 2 winner File Di Arianna.
Leg C: United Nations – A Turf Battle
Returning to Monmouth Park for the third leg, we have the prestigious United Nations, a 1 3/8-mile turf test for older horses. This race brings together the top three finishers from last month’s Grade 1 Manhattan at Belmont Park: Tribhuvan, Adhamo, and Gufo. Tribhuvan, a longshot victor in the Manhattan, seeks to defend his title after a year-long hiatus from the winner’s circle. Adhamo, consistent in his performance but yet to secure a win in the US, and Gufo, boasting a strong track record with recent victories, add to the fierce competition in this race.
Leg D: The Much-Anticipated Haskell Stakes
The fourth leg of the Cross Country Pick 5 takes us back to Monmouth Park for the highly anticipated Grade 1 Haskell Stakes. This 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds showcases the talents of three Grade 1-winning, Kentucky Derby participants: Taiba, White Abarrio, and Cyberknife. Taiba, trained by the renowned Bob Baffert, enters as the favorite at 7/5 odds, despite having only three previous starts in his career. However, Jack Christopher, trained by Chad Brown, steals the spotlight with a flawless 4-for-4 record. Jack Christopher’s impeccable resume includes a Grade 1 victory as a 2-year-old and a stunning 10-length win in the Woody Stephens Stakes.
Leg E: Thrills at the Caress Stakes
The grand finale of the Cross Country Pick 5 takes us to Saratoga for the Grade 3 Caress Stakes. This thrilling sprint covers 5 1/2 furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course and welcomes ten talented fillies and mares. Brad Cox, a highly regarded trainer, brings defending champion Caravel to the race. However, Caravel faces stiff competition from Souper Sensational, a strong contender who finished second in the Grade 2 True North in her previous outing. Bout Time and Christophe Clement’s duo of Miss J McKay and Lady Edith also add to the excitement, seeking their first graded stakes victory in this wide-open affair.
A Cross Country Pick 5 Spectacle
The New York Racing Association Cross Country Pick 5 is a thrilling opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts to experience the excitement of multiple stakes races across different tracks. With a minimum bet of just 50 cents and a mandatory payout of the net pool each week, the Pick 5 offers a chance to win big. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the Cross Country Pick 5 guarantees a captivating afternoon of top-class racing action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much can I bet on the Cross Country Pick 5?
A: The Cross Country Pick 5 allows a minimum bet of just 50 cents, making it accessible to bettors of all budgets. You can increase your wager amount based on your preference and confidence in your selections.
Q: When is the mandatory payout for the net pool?
A: The Cross Country Pick 5 features a mandatory payout of the net pool each week. The exact date and time of the mandatory payout can vary, so it’s essential to stay updated on the race schedule and announcements from the New York Racing Association.
Q: Are free past performances available for the Cross Country Pick 5?
A: Yes, free Equibase past performances can be found to assist you in handicapping the races included in the Cross Country Pick 5. These past performances provide valuable information about the horses, jockeys, trainers, and previous race results to help inform your betting decisions.
Q: Can I play the Cross Country Pick 5 online?
A: Yes, many online betting platforms offer the Cross Country Pick 5 as part of their wagering options. You can participate in the excitement and place your bets conveniently from your computer or mobile device through these platforms.
Q: How often does the Cross Country Pick 5 take place?
A: The Cross Country Pick 5 is scheduled to take place weekly, offering horse racing enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy five thrilling races in one sequence. Each week brings a new set of stakes races from prestigious tracks, ensuring a varied and captivating experience for bettors.
