Belmont Park opens

Belmont Park will celebrate its 101st anniversary this year  (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com)

Last year, Belmont Park celebrated its 100th anniversary. This year, the
storied track begins its second 100 years with Wednesday’s $100,000 Westchester
H. (G3).

The 59-day Belmont Park Spring/Summer Meet continues through July 22. Mondays
and Tuesdays will be dark, with the exception of May 29 (Memorial Day), July 3
and July 4. First race post is generally 1 p.m. (EDT).

There are 38 stakes races scheduled, including nine Grade 1 events. As usual,
the highlight will be the 138th running of the Belmont S. (G1) on June 10. The 1
1/2-mile, $1 million test is the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown for
three-year-olds.

Belmont Stakes Day now features the $250,000 Acorn S. (G1) for three-year-old
fillies at one mile as part of a $1 million-guaranteed Pick 6 pool that will
include three Grade 1 races and three Grade 2 races. Other highlights on the
blockbuster program include the $400,00 Manhattan H. (G1), the $300,000 Just a
Game Breeders’ Cup H. (G2), the $200,000 True North H. (G2), and the $250,000
Woody Stephens Breeders’ Cup S. (G2), which replaces the Riva Ridge Breeders’
Cup S. (G2). The Woody Stephens is named for the late Hall of Fame trainer who
is the only person to win five straight Belmonts.

The $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2) for three-year-olds at nine furlongs will now
be decided on May 20, three weeks before the Belmont.

Other important events include the $600,000 Metropolitan H. (G1) on May 29, the $400,000 Suburban H. (G1) on July 1, and the $300,000 Coaching
Club American Oaks (G1) on July 22.