In a bustling Tuesday in Thoroughbred racing, sharp handicapping insights spotlight Turf Paradise contenders like My Munnings Model as the day’s best bet, while the racing world anticipates the upcoming Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds with Bella Ballerina emerging as the early favorite. Additional highlights include the unveiling of the 2026 Belmont Stakes logo and updates from the National Museum of Racing on Hall of Fame voting procedures.
Turf Paradise Picks Heat Up Tuesday Card
Expert handicapper Scott Ehlers has zeroed in on My Munnings Model as the standout best bet in Race 7 at Turf Paradise, praising the colt’s improving form, turf breeding highlighted by a strong 338 Tommy rating, and a rail draw that offers jockey Cruz versatile early options. Trainer Anderson’s team boasts a 13% success rate on grass, positioning this contender for a breakthrough after narrowly missing a career-best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest grass outing. Street Humor lurks as a dangerous speed threat with a top Beyer on turf despite no wins there, while Mount Pelliar eyes a perfect trip off the pace with a fitting 66 Beyer from three starts back. Across the nine-race card, Ehlers forecasts winners like Av Lillys Tornadoe in the opener and Hot Legs Romolo in the third, where the latter seeks redemption after photo finishes on the sod, underscoring a competitive slate primed for sharp plays.
Bella Ballerina Shines in Rachel Alexandra Stakes Preview
Excitement builds for Saturday’s Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds, where eight promising 3-year-old fillies vie for 50 Kentucky Oaks qualifying points, mirroring last year’s path for winner Good Cheer. Bella Ballerina stands out after a sharp Golden Rod victory, chasing a loose leader before powering home with quick recent workouts signaling peak readiness under jockey Luis Saez and trainer Michael Stidham. Majestical impressed with a 4½-length maiden score here, poised for further progress, while Classic Glide debuts at three off a solid starter allowance placing. The field promises drama as connections chase Oaks glory in this key early-season test.
2026 Belmont Stakes Logo Unveiled with Saratoga Flair
NYRA has revealed the striking official logo for the 2026 GI Belmont Stakes, set for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course, capturing the historic venue’s elegance and the race’s prestige in a design that evokes tradition and anticipation. This unveiling marks a key milestone as the Triple Crown series prepares for its Saratoga chapter, drawing early buzz from fans and industry insiders alike.
National Museum of Racing Refines Hall of Fame Voting Process
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame announced updates to its voting procedures today, streamlining the selection process for inductees and ensuring a fair evaluation of equine and human achievements in Thoroughbred racing. Coupled with news of a Ghaiyyath colt topping the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and Mark Casse’s appointment as OBS Chairman, these developments signal a dynamic off-track landscape shaping the sport’s future.
