Weekend Racing
This Saturday is the NTRA National Pick 4, comprising the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Fleur de Lis at Churchill, the Ogden Phipps at Belmont, and the Californian at Hollywood. And there’s more good racing to be had — Hollywood Park also has the Affirmed on its card and Churchill the Northern Dancer. Here in Boston, Suffolk Downs treats local fans to two stakes races, the African Prince for state-breds and the Old Ironsides, one of the four reinstated open stakes races.
Saint Liam is the morning line favorite in the Stephen Foster, but he’ll get some competition from the likes of Badge of Silver and Perfect Drift. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
“They’re not exactly Affirmed and Alydar, but the 4-year-old fillies Ashado and Society Selection continue a rivalry dating back to when they were 2-year-olds in today’s Grade 1, $300,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap at Belmont Park.” (New York Post)
Buzzards Bay is his making first start since his fifth-place Kentucky Derby finish in the Affirmed. Stablemate Choctaw Nation is returning in the Californian, his first start since running third in the Dubai World Cup. (Blood-Horse)
Don’t Get Mad is the expected favorite in the Northern Dancer, despite the interruption to his training caused by the equine herpes quarantine at Churchill. “We’re in a good spot,” said trainer Ron Ellis. (Courier-Journal)
