It's Bird's World (Saturday preview)

Where going west to east this week in the weekend preview. Equibase has the Belmont card here

First up at Hollywood

Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (Grade I): Mike Smith gave up a mount in the Belmont to ride Madeo. Why? Jerry and Ann Moss are his owners, and of course they own Zenyatta. However I'm going with Globetrotter, he won the Grey S. as a 2yo (a race that Mine That Bird won last year), and he may like the West Coast. Liquidity for second and Artiste Royal for third.

Now for Belmont

True North H. (Grade II): This is the return for last year's Eclipse winning sprinter Benny the Bull. I think he might need a race, so I'll toss him for this race. Two Step Salsa is shortening up after winning the Godolphin Mile, I'm looking for him to bounce in this race and add in the the Dubai factor, another toss. I'm going with Fabulous Strike, he finished second in the Carter last time out and can improve in this race.

Just a Game S. (Grade I): Six words: Forever Together and My Princess Jess. Those two horses are my picks. Forever showed her form last year has held and Jess IMO, is an up and comer.

Woody Stephens S. (Grade II): Two unbeaten horses (Hull and Everyday Heros) and a Derby runner (Regal Ransom) highlight this race. However, I'm going with Hello Broadway, the shorter distance may suit him and he's coming in under the radar.

Acorn S. (Grade I): Had Rachel Alexandra had stayed with Hal Wiggins, this would have been her next race. However we now know, she is a boy beater. But it's still a nice field with 2 Oaks runners, one of my favorite NYB's in training, one of Rach's new stablemates and scratched second choice in the Oaks. I like Justwhistledixie in this race, however I would love if Doramifasolatido wins (Just to hear Tom Durkin sing, which what he does with her). Either Be Fair, Gabby's Golden Gal or Four Gifts for third.

Manhattan H. (Grade I): Outside of the Belmont, this is the race of the weekend. Better Talk Now is going against his regular pilot Ramon Domingez (who is riding Court Vision). I like a few horses in this race including BTN, Court, Cowboy Cal and Champs Elysees. Any order.

Belmont S. (Grade I): The big race! A few horses I'm tossing right away: Brave Victory, Flying Private and Mr. Hot Stuff. I think that a mile and half is a little bit beyond their scope. There really isn't that much speed in the race, which is good news for Charitable Man who could go gate to wire and his trainer and jockey their second Belmont wins respectivly. However, the last time I looked there is a little Birdstone gelding who has a jockey who loves the rail riding him. I like Mine That Bird, he'll be a little bit closer to the pace then he is used, but if Chartiable is pressed, he could fly from the back and win it. It would give Calvin Borel the jockey Triple Crown. I think Chartiable Man will finish second and I would love if Chocolate Candy was third.

But anything can happen in horse racing, so good luck to all and I hope all the horses return safe!