June 12, 2024
NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon
There is plenty of exciting Thoroughbred action across the globe this weekend, including a pair of high-stakes stakes races at Belmont Park.
Here is a closer look at two races that will deliver the winning connections a golden ticket to the upcoming Breeders’ Cup (think the Super Bowl of horse racing) in California:
Spotlight races: (Race 7) Grade 2 $200,000 Pilgrim, 1 1/16-mile turf race for 2-year-olds; (Race 5) Grade 2 $200,000 Miss Grillo, 1 1/16-mile turf race for 2-year-old fillies
Track: Belmont Park
Date: Sunday, October 1
Why to watch: Both races are Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” challenge events. Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Pilgrim) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Miss Grillo)
Who to watch (Pilgrim): Agate Road (#3), Triple Espresso (#7), Spirit Prince (#9)
What to do with a $20 bet (Pilgrim): $20 win on Triple Espresso
Who to watch (Miss Grillo): Hard to Justify (#2), Gold Lightning (#4), Memorialize (#7), Gala Brand (#8)
What to do with a $20 bet (Miss Grillo): $10 to win on Gala Brand (#8). $10 straight exactor Gala Brand (#8) on to Memorialize (#7).