Raquelle,

Memorial Day Weekend, which traditionally offers some of the best racing in North America, is upon us and it looks like the weather in the northeast will be of the splendid variety. All the major tracks are running on Monday and that day's Belmont card will feature the "Metropolitan" hdcp. (G1) at a flat mile. 

At one time this race was used by several top runners, "Conquistador Cielo" among them, as his prep race for the Belmont. That talented colt not only beat older foes in the "Met" he went on to easily win the Belmont Stakes.

For a look at this years Belmont field and some discussion on other topics, see the Dog Pound below. Today we have selected five races from Belmont for selections and analysis.

Friday's Results: Belmont Race #4 BEST BET #4 (Jimmy Jump Jump) Finished second $4.80 and $3.40. 

Belmont Race #5 Exacta third pick with top pick (3-2) $54.00.
Trifecta (3-2-1) $401.00. 

Belmont Race #9 Original top pick scratched.
Exacta Box of the three selection (2-3) $52.50.
Trifecta Box of the three selections (2-3-11) $317.00.

Notes on Big Brown and more 

Two weeks from today, "Big Brown" will attempt to become racing's 12th Triple Crown winner and the first horse to accomplish the feat since "Affirmed" won the 1978 running of the Belmont.

Although he has left a pair of fields in shambles there will be no lack of runners lining up to derail him on June 7. Headed by Kentucky-bred, Japanese-owned and raced "Casino Drive", a total of eight challengers are at this stage going to enter the starting gate along with the undefeated "Brown". That number could actually increase with two-weeks to go some others may feel the "pull" of the importance of the event and decide to give it a go. I've seen it happen before.

The most interesting challenger is the Japanese runner "Casino Drive", who was very-impressive in winning the "Peter Pan" stakes two weeks ago. His connections are mulling over whether to have Japanese jockey, Yutake Take ride their horse or have an American regular handle the duties. Edgar Prado and Garret Gomez are two that are under consideration. A full list of the possible field is listed below in alpahbetical order after Big Brown.

(Big Brown)---(Anak Nakal)--(Behindatthebar)--(Casino Drive)----(Denis of Cork)--(Ichabad Crane)-- (Macho Again)----(Ready's Echo)---(Tale of Ekati).

With the breeding rights to "Big Brown" signed last week before the Preakness by his owners and Three Chimneys farm in Kentucky, there is the strong possibility that should he win the Triple Crown that his racing days could be over. The positive coverage that this sport desperately needs could all be gone within a week of the announcement if that's the case.

In the event that he has a freshening and stays in training after winning the Belmont, he would have two more goals, The "Traver's" Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in August and the "Breeder's Cup Classic" (G1) at Santa Anita in October. I'm of the opinion that they will announce that he will race again, but with even the smallest of set-backs, he would go into immediate retirement. Remember also that the "Classic" is to be run on polytrack for the first time in it's history (at Santa Anita) and that could also enter into their overall thinking.

But let's enjoy the ride for the next two weeks and put aside the "Eight Belles" tragedy and the resulting discussions about drugs and surfaces and just enjoy it for what it's meant to be, a really exciting sport that will get even casual fans involved that Saturday.

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BELMONT PARK Race #TWO (1:30 PM Eastern)

(# 1) DIGITAL AGE - Big improvement shown in last for this gelded son of "Hook and Ladder". Chased the pace in an "off the turf" contest and though out-finished, he stayed on gamely for the place. He's worked well at Saratoga since and draws the rail for the fourth straight time.

(# 7) Theartofcompromise - Firster by "Broken Vow" comes to you from the "Flying Zee" stables and their secondary trainer Phil Serpe. Colt has a sharp gate work on April 27, and Serpe's go-to rider has always been Edgar Prado who is aboard today.

(# 2) Whoneedstoknow - Chased the pace in last at a mile at Aqueduct and tired badly late. Has been given almost six-weeks off since that effort and his latest pair of works indicate he's doing fine. Look for a big rebound.

(# 8) Tough Jake - Runner has some speed and will be getting blinkers for trainer Tom Bush. He's coming off a pair of longer races and although beaten in both, they should have done a lot for his conditioning. Look for much better.