Weekend Stakes Races from Hollywood and Belmont Parks

Weekend Stakes Races: Grade III Jaipur Stakes at Belmont Park and Grade II Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park

Race-day: 7/18/2009

Race-times: Jaipur Stakes at 5:17 pm est. and Swaps Stakes at 7:30 pm est.

We’re coming down to the wire as horseplayers at both Belmont and Hollywood. The two classy tracks haven’t let up, and won’t this Saturday either when they both showcase some very good horses.

First, is the Grade III Jaipur Stakes at Belmont Park. Then, at over two hours later, three year olds will take to the track in the Grade II Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park.

Let’s take a look at this weekend’s stakes action.

Belmont Park – Race 9

Grade III Jaipur Stakes

$150,000

For Three Year Olds and Upward

6 furlongs on turf

Heros Reward might go off the chalk in this race but he hasn’t done much since his score in the Grade III Shakertown at Keeneland in April. That leads me to True Quality who is switching barns from John Campo to Joseph Demola. True Quality has never run on turf but he’s bred for it as his sire is Elusive Quality and there’s no doubt that he’s the fastest horse in this race. True Quality goes wire to wire in this. For second, I’m going to look past Heros Reward again and go with Le Grand Cruz. The super fast Le Grand Cruz should be tracking True Quality from the outset and is dropping from a route to this sprint distance. He could surprise. Heros Reward should come along for third, but betting him at such a short price doesn’t make sense. When he’s on his game, he’s the best horse in the race, but he’s not on his game.

1. True Quality
2. Le Grand Cruz
3. Heros Reward

Hollywood Park – Race 8

Grade II Swaps Stakes

$300,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/8 miles on cushion track

Grazen is 3 out of 4 lifetime, keeps Rafael Bejarano, and should either take the lead from the outset or stalk Misremembered. Either way, there isn’t much in Grazen’s path to the winner’s circle in this. Misremembered is the only horse in this field that can stay close to Grazen early. The son of Candy Ride was beaten by Grazen in the Grade III Affirmed Handicap in his last. He doesn’t look capable of turning the tables on his rival, but he should finish second. For third, the overrated Conservative figures to enjoy the return to an all weather surface. He has no chance of winning, but he could run along for the show.

1. Grazen
2. Misremembered
3. Conservative