Todd Pletcher has a double-barreled shotgun aimed at today’s Grade 2, $150,000 Sheepshead Bay Handicap, for fillies and mares going mile-and-three-eighths over the inner turf course at Belmont Park. Honey Ryder, winner of this race last year, makes her first start since finishing up-the-track vs. colts in the March 31 Dubai Sheema Classic,
while Safari Queen guns for third straight after winning Orchid Handicap at Gulfstream and the Bewitch at Keeneland. Bobby Frankel counters with Barancella, who finished close behind both Pletcher mares on several occasions.
SECOND RACE: Oh My Stars set the pace, stalked outside by 6-5 favorite Mister Supremo. Around the turn, Mister Supremo ranged up to bid for the lead, but just as quickly, Callmetony, 7-5 returning to preferred sprint after stretching out to mile and- eighth last out, rallied wide under Edgar Prado, took command midstretch to notch
his third win in last four starts for Bruce Levine.
FOURTH RACE: In a turf race marred by a horrendous spill around the far turn that sent jockeys Andrew Lakeman and Norberto Arroyo to the hospital, 40-1 Gypsy Gale gunned to a daylight lead under Alan Garcia. Gypsy Gale was chased by Aunt Teree, who went to the front midway on the far turn, when 4-5 favorite Prom Dance pounced under John Velazquez, drew off to break maiden as much the best.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 11-4-2-10-2-6
1 winner (6 of 6) paid $53,806
35 consolation (5 of 6) each paid $517
No carryover