Belmont Oaks Has International Appeal

The mile and a quarter turf race for three year-old fillies is star-studded with domestic runners and European invaders – all of which have Breeder’s Cup aspirations in the win-and-you’re-in event.  The French shipper Xcellence is the morning line favorite at 5/2 after consecutive third place finishes in Group 1 races in her native country.  She will face a variety of unfamiliar racing conditions including left-hand turns for the first time in New York.

Multiple G-1 Winner Room Service Looks Tough Again

 The Kentucky-bred, Wayne Catalano trained Room Service is the deserving second choice at 3/1 after back-to back Grade 1 victories in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland and the American Oaks at Santa Anita.  Room Service, a daughter of superior American turf sire More Than Ready, has four wins in seven career starts and has never finished off the board.  She will be ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan who retains the mount. 

Irish Invader and American Long Shots Offer Value

The British bred, Irish raced, Flying Jib is another serious European contender at 5/1 on the morning line for trainer Dermot Weld who is no stranger to winning major stakes races on American soil.  Flying Jib will be stepping up in class after winning minor stakes races in Ireland.  He has three wins in four lifetime starts.  Two intriguing American fillies – Rosalind (12/1) and My Conquestadory (12/1) – are grade one winners on Keeneland’s synthetic surface and represent significant betting value in a competitive race.