(# 2) VICTORY ASSURED - Has picked his game up since switching to the turf two starts ago. Appears to be the type who will appreciate the long sweeping turns of this 9F event on the grass. Bandages and blinkers were removed the minute he went to the infield, indicating that's where the trainer was pointing him all along. Tried this distance two back, and ran well despite an outside post. Moves way inside today. The pick.

(# 3) Saturday's Cat - Lots of chances without the win. But runner is fit, in shape, makes his third start off a layoff, and most importantly his three second place finishes have all come over the Belmont Turf. Big threat today.

( # 6) Topsail - Ran well in his two initial races at Gulfstream Park this past winter. They of course were against open company. When he came North, he went from Steve Dimauro's barn to Gary Contessas. Was given a seven week freshening, and returned against fellow New York Breds. Chased the pace while wide, and stayed on well. Goes to 9f today, makes second start off the layoff, and retains Prado.

(# 's 5 and 7) Raptime and Triple Bogey Blues - This pair of lightly raced runners, are both improving race to race, and noticeably more on the switch to the turf. In the barns of Billy Turner, and Kiaran McLaughlin, they are eligible to move forward again.