By ED FOUNTAINE
June 21, 2008
Another wagering gimmick to confuse fans and mutuel clerks begins today: The 60-minute Pick 6. Six races at four tracks - Belmont (2), Delaware, Monmouth (2), Philly Park - in one hour, beginning with sixth at Belmont (3:40 p.m. post). Pool is $100,000 guaranteed; takeout is 25 percent. Bet will be held every Saturday through Aug. 30, with 75 percent carryover each week if it's not hit. For more info, go to www.SixtyMinuteSix.com.
Today's feature at Belmont is Grade 2, $250,000 New York Handicap at mile-and-quarter on inner turf. Mauralakana is the strong favorite in a field of five older mares after winning Sheepshead Bay by three lengths with explosive late charge.
THIRD RACE: Storm Caller stumbled badly out of gate, tossing Eibar Coa, who went over gelding's neck, landed on his head. Then Storm Caller kicked Coa as he ran off. Coa was taken by ambulance to North Shore Hospital, diagnosed with a bruised rib, was released last evening. He's scheduled to ride today at Colonial Downs; a decision will be made at post time.
FOURTH RACE: Going seven furlongs on Widener turf, Mondo Diverso broke on top, then took back as Formal King went to the front along the rail, then Dontess gunned up from outside to open lead heading into turn. Formal King regained lead in the stretch, held off determined bid to his outside from Mondo Diverso, but in deep stretch Bright Illusion, under ground-saving ride by Rajiv Maragh, came charging up rail to blow by them all.
FIFTH RACE: Ring Bernadette, after breaking maiden gate to wire by two lengths in slop for 35G last out, was 5-2 dropping in for 25G. She went right to front again from post 1 under Jeffrey Sanchez, dueled to 2-1 favorite Artytheonemanparty, Edgar Prado subbing for Coa, opened daylight into turn, shook off another bid from Arty turning for home. Fly the North Wind, Jose Espinoza up, rallied on turn to loom boldly top of stretch, but settled for second as Ring Bernadette kicked clear again.
SIXTH RACE: Chanced, 9-5 under Mike Luzzi, set pace, pressed by 4-1 Twistaway, John Velazquez subbing for Coa, chased by 8-5 favorite Megadeed, Javier Castellano up. Turning for home, Megadeed launched a brief outside rally but came up empty.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 5-1-7-7-7-5
2 winners, each paid $24,230
76 consolation (5 of 6) winners
Each paid $212.50
No carryover
