Met Mile heads stellar Fourth of July card
Met Mile heads stellar Fourth of July card
By the NY Hot List Staff // Thursday, July 2
For all of the disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in racing, fans will get a holiday treat Saturday at Belmont Park. The Fourth of July card will feature five graded stakes, including two Grade 1 tests. Foremost among the bunch is the Metropolitan Handicap, one of New York’s oldest and most coveted stakes. A long list of Hall of Fame runners have won the one-mile and this year’s 127th edition of the Met Mile has attracted yet another stellar field topped by the trio of entrants in Code of Honor, McKinzie, and Vekoma who appear to be on the fast track to Eclipse Award consideration. There’s also a good amount of depth in the field making for an interesting wagering affair that can produce some lively fireworks.
The $500,000 Metropolitan Handicap (G1), Belmont Park, Saturday, Race 9.
9th race – (1) Network Effect (C) ran well to finish second in the Carter (G1) after getting bet down from 9-2 to 5-2. Beaten by only Vekoma, the one-turn mile should be to his liking. (5) Code of Honor was an impressive winner of his 2020 debut in the Westchester (G3) last month and as a multiple Grade 1 winner he has proven that he can handle a formidable field like in this Met Mile (G1). (3) McKinzie had a winning return in the Triple Bend (G2) at Santa Anita after the disappointing trip to the Saudi Cup. McKinzie was second in the Met Mile last year behind Mitole after a bad trip and the one-turn mile is probably his best distance. (5) Vekoma is also a win contender in the Met Mile after his last two terrific performances; however, he has never faced a field of older horses of this caliber.
The Met Mile is part of the Special Saturday Pick 3 from the New York Hot List team. That Pick 3 and the full card analysis is available free of charge at this website.