With the Kentucky Derby in the rearview mirror, the racing world shifts its focus to crucial sophomore tests in New York and international qualifying action in South Florida. This Saturday’s slate features a "Win and You’re In" ticket to Royal Ascot, a traditional prep for the Belmont Stakes, and a host of graded sprints.
Saturday
5:11 pm ET – Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes, Belmont at the Big A
Regarded as the local prep for the Belmont Stakes, the Peter Pan Stakes has served as the springboard for nine winners to go on and capture the final leg of the Triple Crown. All eyes are on Trendsetter (3-1), who stunned the field in the G3 Lexington at 32‑1, upsetting Corona de Oro and The Hell We Did, both possible Preakness contenders. Withers Stakes winner Talk to Me Jimmy (9/5) returns after a disappointing effort in the Wood Memorial (G2). Morning line favorite Growth Equity (6/5) is coming off a maiden win at Aqueduct and looking to step up in class.
Peter Pan entries
3:38 pm ET – Grade 3 John A. Nerud Stakes, Belmont at the Big A
This is a pace‑driven sprint with mixed form lines. One Nine Hundred (7/5) returns as the favorite after chasing a hot tempo in the Tom Fool (G3) to finish third, while Silver Slugger (6/1) and Radio Red (5/1) are the only entrants coming into the race off last-out wins. Acoustic Ave (4/1) profiles as the strongest closer if the leaders duel early, and veteran Full Moon Madness (3/1) remains a steady threat who finished ahead of One Nine Hundred in the Tom Fool (G3).
John A. Nerud entries
4:09 pm – Grade 3 Ruffian Stakes, Belmont at the Big A
A one‑mile test for older fillies and mares with a clear class divide. Eunomia (6/5) headlines for Saffie Joseph Jr. after sharp recent figures and tactical speed that suits the Big A mile. Stablemate Dazzling Move (8/1) adds pace pressure, while Inefficiency (3/1) for Chad Brown looms as the main threat if she settles early. Irish Maxima (5/1) owns consistent mid‑range Beyers and could capitalize if the leaders soften each other. Longshots Cassiar (10/1) and Ultimate Authority (20/1) need a pace collapse to factor. Expect a controlled tempo early, with class likely to prevail late. This race serves as a primary stepping stone to the Ogden Phipps (G1) during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
Ruffian entries
3:30 pm & 4:34 pm – Royal Palm Juvenile & Juvenile Fillies, Gulfstream Park
These stakes include international plane tickets. The winners receive a $25,000 travel allowance and a guaranteed spot in a stakes race at the prestigious Royal Meeting in England
Skara Brae (8/5) headlines the Juvenile for Wesley Ward after a sharp debut and brings proven turf speed against males. Stablemate Braums Run (7/2) adds pace pressure, while Celtic Dispute (3/1) looks the most seasoned of the challengers with solid works and pedigree for firm ground. Blackjack (8/1) and Omaha Forty (12/1) have upside but must improve sharply to contend. Expect a fast early tempo and a decisive stretch run from the Ward pair.
In the Juvenile Fillies, Pot’s Right (2/1) leads the field off a sharp debut and brings proven gate speed for Antonacci. Boots (9/2) looks the main danger with strong local works and experience, while Mo Town Fox Brown (6/1) and Easy Life (6/1) add pace depth. Joker’s Chic (6/1) and DeeSnook (10/1) have upside but must improve to contend. Expect a fast early tempo and a decisive finish from the top pair.
Royal Palm Juvenile entries
Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies entries
5:28 pm ET – William Walker Stakes, Churchill Downs
Outfielder (8/5) brings the strongest established turf form and should be prominent early. Throckmorton (3/1) tries grass with enough tactical speed to make the switch work, while Reb Five (4/1) is improving and dangerous cutting back. Sandal’s Song (6/1) adds pace, and the rest will need a pace meltdown to factor. Expect a sharp early tempo with class sorting itself out late.
William Walker entries
7:07 pm ET – Grade 3 Senorita Stakes, Santa Anita
Light Won Up (8/5) owns the strongest recent figures and should be well‑positioned tracking the pace. Mo’ Em Down (5/2) is the main danger with her tactical style and consistent form, while Bella Lyra (9/2) brings reliable European‑bred turf credentials. Marjoram (10/1) and Will Happen (12/1) offer upside if the leaders overdo it early. Expect a quick tempo down the hill, with class likely to separate in the final furlong.
Senorita entries
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
