The Exciting Week in Horse Racing: Belmont Park and Churchill Downs
This week, horse racing enthusiasts are in for a treat as the New York Racing Association (NYRA) presents an exhilarating Cross Country Pick 5 event. Not only will fans be able to enjoy the thrilling races at Belmont Park, but they will also have the opportunity to witness the excitement at Churchill Downs. With a Grade 1 winner making a comeback and a captivating Grade 2 stakes race, this week’s Cross Country Pick 5 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Americanrevolution’s Triumphant Return
One of the highlights of this week’s racing extravaganza is the return of Americanrevolution, a remarkable Grade 1 winner. After a six-month hiatus, Americanrevolution is back in action following his sensational victory in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. This talented colt, sired by Constitution, claimed his first Grade 1 triumph, marking his fifth win in his last six races.
In his previous outing, just before the Cigar Mile, Americanrevolution left spectators in awe with an extraordinary performance in the Black-Type Empire Classic. He dominated the race, finishing a remarkable 11 3/4 lengths ahead of his competitors, and achieved a career-best 108 Beyer Speed Figure. As the 8/5 morning line favorite, Americanrevolution is undoubtedly a key contender in the Blame Stakes, considered the fourth leg of the thrilling Cross Country Pick 5.
A Fierce Battle in the Blame Stakes
In the Blame Stakes, a highly anticipated race of the Cross Country Pick 5, Americanrevolution will face off against his formidable stablemate, Dynamic One. Trained by the renowned Todd Pletcher, Dynamic One enters this race as a strong contender after finishing as the runner-up in the Grade 3 Ben Ali at Keeneland in April. Another notable horse to watch out for is Scalding, coming off a four-race winning streak and holding the title of the 5/2 second choice.
An Exciting Battle on the Turf: The Pennine Ridge
Before the Blame Stakes, the Cross Country Pick 5 sequence continues with the Grade 2 Pennine Ridge. This nine-furlong race takes place on Belmont Park’s inner turf, promising a thrilling competition for horse racing enthusiasts. Leading trainer Chad Brown, a four-time Eclipse Award recipient, showcases his prowess in this event. Brown has two formidable contenders in the race: Unanimous Consent and Napoleonic War.
Unanimous Consent has already tasted victory in all three of his previous starts, displaying his undeniable talent. In his most recent triumph, he secured a nearly two-length victory in the Black-Type Woodhaven Stakes at Aqueduct. As for Napoleonic War, he boasts a record of 2 wins out of 3 starts but is still awaiting a black-type victory to solidify his reputation. Adding to the intrigue is Emmanuel, a former Kentucky Derby prospect trained by Todd Pletcher, making his debut on turf after a notable third-place finish in the Grade 1 Blue Grass.
A Starter Allowance Race Kicks Off the Cross Country Pick 5
The Cross Country Pick 5 begins at Belmont Park with a non-stakes race, a one-turn mile for 3-year-olds and up. This highly competitive opening leg features some noteworthy contenders, including Royal Tryst, a three-time winner trained by Mike Maker. Rudy Rodriguez’s Air Show and Peter Walder’s Luna Simi are also expected to provide fierce competition, ensuring an exciting start to the racing extravaganza.
Aristides Stakes: A Sprint of Champions
As the sequence moves to Churchill Downs, the second leg of the Cross Country Pick 5 presents horse racing enthusiasts with the Aristides Stakes. This thrilling six-furlong sprint for older horses promises to be one of the most fiercely competitive races of the event. Miles Ahead, with a notable victory over Drain the Clock in the Gulfstream Park Sprint, enters as a strong contender with a commendable 102 Beyer Speed Figure. Bob’s Edge, coming off a fourth-place finish to Jackie’s Warrior in the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint, showcases his potential as a formidable challenger.
Not to be overlooked are the horses with impressive records at Churchill Downs. Bango, the defending Aristides champion, has achieved six victories under the Twin Spires and is expected to put up a strong fight. Necker Island, with five wins at Churchill Downs, adds to the excitement, making the Aristides Stakes a race to remember.
Grand Finale: The Audubon Stakes
As the Cross Country Pick 5 reaches its conclusion, the action returns to Churchill Downs for the Listed Audubon Stakes. This thrilling nine-furlong turf race features a talented field of 3-year-olds eager to prove their skills on the new turf track at Churchill Downs.
Major General, who emerged victorious in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes on the Derby trail, aims to make a name for himself in his turf stakes debut. Despite a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Grade 2 Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard, Major General’s turf prowess makes him a strong contender. Grand Sonata, a well-accomplished turf runner, holds the experience of winning back-to-back turf stakes at Gulfstream Park earlier this year. With a narrow loss in the Grade 3 Transylvania in his most recent race, Grand Sonata will be seeking redemption in the Audubon Stakes.
Conclusion
The NYRA Cross Country Pick 5 promises an unforgettable day of horse racing, combining the excitement of Belmont Park and Churchill Downs. With Americanrevolution’s triumphant return, the fierce competition in the Blame Stakes, the thrilling battles on Belmont Park’s inner turf, and the grand finale at Churchill Downs, spectators are in for an extraordinary experience. These races offer the perfect opportunity to witness world-class horses, trainers, and jockeys showcasing their skills and vying for victory. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling horse racing extravaganza!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I participate in the Cross Country Pick 5?
To participate in the Cross Country Pick 5, you can visit your nearest simulcast facility or use an ADW (Advanced Deposit Wagering) platform. Check with your local horse racing authority for more information on how to place your bets and enjoy the thrilling experience of the Cross Country Pick 5.
2. What is the minimum bet for the Cross Country Pick 5?
The Cross Country Pick 5 has a minimum bet requirement of 50 cents. This allows horse racing enthusiasts of all budgets to take part in the excitement and potentially win significant payouts.
3. How much is the takeout for the Cross Country Pick 5?
The takeout for the Cross Country Pick 5 is set at 15%. This means that a portion of the wagering pool is allocated to cover operational costs, while the remainder is distributed among winning bettors, providing them with potential lucrative returns on their investments.
4. Can I access free past performances for the Cross Country Pick 5?
Yes, Equibase offers free past performances for the Cross Country Pick 5. These past performances provide valuable information about each horse’s racing history, including their previous performances, jockey statistics, and trainer records. Utilizing these resources can help inform your betting decisions and enhance your overall horse racing experience.
5. When does the Cross Country Pick 5 take place?
The Cross Country Pick 5 takes place every Saturday at various simulcast facilities and ADW platforms. It offers a thrilling opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts to engage with multiple tracks and races, heightening the excitement and providing ample opportunities to showcase their handicapping skills.
