HALLANDALE BEACH, September 16, 2026 – New York racing fans in particular, and all racing people in general, have been awaiting the opening of the new Belmont Park since construction began a few years ago.
If that weren’t special enough, Japanese superstar Forever Young, the highest money earner in the history the sport–thanks to obscene Middle Eastern oil-infused purses, will appear in the opening-day Grade 1, the storied Jockey Club Gold Cup.
OG horseplayers can be a bit cheeky on the subject of earnings, but no one can dimmish his race record (15) 11-1-3, as he continues to take on, literally, the best horses in the world at every major racing port of call on the planet. Truly outstanding!
Hanf of his six rivals are millionaires themselves, having earned an aggregate $6,694,973 from a combined slate of (68) 30-16-7. And no one can argue that Baeza, Phileas Fogg, and Banishing aren’t very good horses in their own right.
Forever Young is here to add another prestigious victory to his outstanding resume, but that is not the ultimate goal: a defense of his Breeders’ Cup Classic title is.
He is not likely to be at tops for this, then maybe he may not need be….
Which means he’s still a logical single for horizontal sequences — but with a tad of trepidation. Why? Because on performance figures, he runs best in his third start off the layup– the case here.
I’m keying Forever Young 3-5 first and second in exactas with Phileas Fogg 4-1 and Baeza 9-2, sprinkling Banishing 12-1 in the trifecta mix, pressing the favorite on top.
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Pennsylvania Derby: Interesting Renewal
Parx Racinf’s signature event usually attracts a large, competitive field and the 2026 edition us no exception, headed by Blu Grass winner Further Ado (2-1), Tampa Bay Derby winner The Puma (4-1), Preakness runner-up Iron Honor (5-1) and Indiana Derby runner-up Our Moneyman (8-1). Solid cases can be made for all.
Further Ado ran off the screen, taking the Keeneland Grade 1 by 11, was beaten a respectable 7-3/4s in the Derby, then rebounded to take the G3 Matt Winn before catching a sloppy oval in the G1 Haskell at the shore. Partly sunny is Saturday’s weather forecast and Flavien Prat takes the ride from Brad Cox. Improvement expected.
After just missing in the Florida Derby, The Puma also had some difficult on the wet Monmouth surface prior to a solid finish fourth in Travers after troubles at the start and made a solid rally for fourth, a sustained three-furlong last run that turned into an incremental lifetime best. Regular partner Javier Castellano re-ride and Gustavo Delgado adds blinkers.
Iron Honor ran to his wet-track pedigree for a solid-finish third in the Haskell following a worthy runner-up try in the Preakness behind winning Napolean Solo, subsequently third to Leading Change in the Travers. Loses Prat but picks up Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown also addimg blinkers for this.
Our Moneyman placed gamely to Further Ado at Churchill then returned ti be narrowly beaen by next-out Travers winner Leading Change. His troubles soon after that start and a wide rally into the lane have many trip-handicappers believing he was probably best in the Indiana Derny.
On balance, were are impressed with the Grade 1 company The Puma has been keeping this Triple Crown season, the grit he has shown in most of his runs this year, and the dynamics are suitable for the prospects of a good second-flight trip with enough kick to get it done.
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A-B-C GRADES FOR ALL-STAKES Pick 4
PARX DIRT MILE Race 11
A: 5-BRACKET BUSTER 9-5 made auspicious 4-yer-old debut, earning huge lifetime top with maturity, recent figures are progressive, has six weeks to recover, attracts Johnny.
B: 10-Saudi Crown 3-1, 6-Wild Vine 10-1, 2-Warp Nine 10-1
C: 1-Hall of Fame 9-2, 9-Motivator 15-1
Grade 2 GALLANT BOB Race 12
A: 10-CAPTIVATOR 9-2, ships in sharp from SoCal, fast and progressive, 3-for-3 this trip, Sadler on roll recently. 8-STRADALE 4-1, has been sharpened in two quick turf sprints, good tactical speed and trip, Asmussen profitable in career graded starts. 6-DR. KAPUR 8-1 was much improved in second start with blinkers, brilliant blowout for thi.
B: 5-Langvad 5-1, 1-Ramajay 12-1
C: 4-Bravaro 8-1, 12-Mailata 15-1, 11-Amberjack 8-1
Grade 1 COTILLION Race 13
A: 4-ALWAYS A RUNNER 8-5 KY Oaks winner placed gamely in two more Grade 1s, was second best in CC American Oaks but will benefit from the run and rally style suited to speedy dynamics; class call.
B: 2-Bodacious Bay 8-1, 8-Measure 4-1, 1-My Miss Mo 5-1
C: 7-Ms Sophistication 15-1
Grade 1 PENNSYLVANIA DERBY Race 14
A: 6-THE PUMA 4-1 (as above)
B: 7-Further Ado 2-1, 2-Iron Honor 5-1, 3-Our Moneyman 8-1
C: 11-Pinder and Dreams 20-1
this live column will be edited and upgraded
22 Responses
Looking forward to the “New Belmont”. I will be attending on Saturday scoping out the grounds and reporting to some friends.
Be sure to include the HRI Faithful in your repost, Jack. Looking forward …
Will do paison!
I am looking forward to your report. Life is keeping me from being able to get over there this weekend, but hopefully i can get out there next week.
I’m logistics and life compromised at the moment. More studio wagering for the time being.
Enjoy everyone!
GM
Entrance: I entered Belmont Park through Gate 5 off Hempstead Turnpike and there is assistance directing cars to the various parking lots.
Platinum is closest to the East entrance
Followed south with Bronze, Gold, And Silver D C B and A.
A bit of confusion at the East entry where they scan your phones for the tickets. I heard rumors that I could not confirm that they were not accepting customers without a prepaid ticket. One of my friends paid $7 on his credit card on arrival.
The backyard is beautiful and spacious with its artificial grass and benches, restrooms, food venders and access to betting terminals.
The paddock is a sight to see with terrific views including the original Japanese’s elms and the Secretariat statue.
Will report back when I visitor the track apron etc.
Enjoy your day ladies and gentlemen
Good report and tips JACK. Thank you!
The atmosphere on the apron is very good with a great view of the races. The large board captures all the action up close.
Plenty of comfortable seating on the apron closer to the building. Restrooms easily accessible as is the betting windows
I have to say at this point t it is great to be back at Belmont (it was worth the wait)!!!
Wow. I’m jealous, can’t wait to see the place. By all accounts, NYRA has done great job thus far. Good for them and the fans too.
Friday’s admission policy was planned, wanting to hold attendance to a manageable first-day level. I understand that all purchases are made via credit card.
Let’s see how it all unfolds from here. Thanks again, Jack
Summary: I thought it was a nice gesture to be invited into the paddock by a NYRA employee before the first race. Myself and a friend were viewing the horses on the rail of the paddock.
Cashless through out the track. Plenty of food options available on the main and first floor. The main emphasis is availability of seating for us 65+ punters on the apron. Ha ha.
Racing periodicals are available for sale in the backyard and other areas of the track.
One other note there is a Ticketmaster box office and a VIP entrance near the East Entry (the old clubhouse).
There is a West entrance at Gate G which leads to the LIRR and Belmont Park LIRR.
I hope I answered some questions for the HRI faithful. Enjoy!
Thanks for the report Jack. I look forward to getting out there one day this week when work is on the lighter side.
John your welcome it was my pleasure to post these observations and more of a pleasure to give something back to you for all of your thankless hard work for this special site.
Jack, thanks so much for going above and beyond !!!
Jack, you can still bet cash, yes?
Yes John cash is accepted on Sam machines and tellers. Sorry I should have made this clear
Cashless racetrack? Does that mean lots of extra charges? How can I bet without using Ca$h in hand? That was,is,part of the fun about betting! This aint the Stock Market floor ! Welcome to the Swedish life style. The big main grand stand reminds me of the “Glass Menagerie” play. It does not feel like the comfy Belmont that we grew up with .So far, it seems too synthetic surrounded by its impeccable tracks,maybe one of the few indelible joys of the ” Big Sandy”. Time will tell,just bring your cards,anonymous players of the Sport of Kings and spendable accounts. “$ 20 will give you $ 200” !! Yeah,sure,gullible fanatics with too much time in your hands.
That wasn’t my understanding. I thought cashless at concession stands not wagering, will check this out …
One thing which was Important to me ( and avfew others),when venturing in to the former Farmingdale,L.I. OTB parlor was that besides the several screens of all sizes showing the same thing there was a single screen that would show the Exactas board.It was meaningful to me because before I d write my final bets I d check who was getting bet with whom,especially when I ignored the favorite(s). Having dozens of similar screens does not do much.It is too repetitious and robotic.How about ‘ probable DD payoffs’ ? How long can someone stare at the simple odds before a race? Aren’t the first and last two minutes enough? I d even welcome a board rotating probable exactas and DD $$! Just knowing the odds Cannot be enough,not especially with the ” Modern Ways” that bundles of $$ can be bet at the last instant in so many tracks… The board is not a definite help but it gives hints of interest$
I hope my physical visit to Belmont proves my visual television visit wrong. It seems very antiseptic, sterile and cold. Can you believe a racetrack has a “VIP Entrance”. Belmont does. An actual VIP Entrance. Not a “Jockey Club Members Entrance”. Not a “Horse Owners Entrance”. Yep, VIP Entrance. How did that get past the PC Police? LOL
Speaking of horse owners…a long time acquaintance of mine had a runner entered on opening day. Due to prior engagements, he originally thought he would not be able to get to Belmont in time for the race. But, on Friday morning, he was ready to go! He called the track and was told, sorry, SOLD OUT. He owns a horse running that afternoon!? Sold out?
On the positive side, Belmont Park will offer competitive fields with nice betting opportunities this Fall and Winter. Keep an eye out for out of town appearances by certain barns and riders. Remember…they’ll be “here for a reason and not the season”
Duke, to me all ultra-modern, state of the art facilities are sterile. I prefer round edges and lots of wood…
I’m certain that NYRA eventually will gets ticket sales and horsemen’s credentials cleaned up. Lots of staff still finding their way.
Going to the track should not feel like entering a Casino. The line smells, atmosphere should be different,not stoic,formal and stingy. Belmont ‘s initial impression with the thin line between Casimo and a n informal track betting atmosphere is getting thinner.It will keep some former bettors away by sticking to their living rooms television while holding their credit cards close without venturing into the track,even the once welcoming,open air Belmont,even with its occasional weeds aromas which are annoying especially to veteran bettors, Non smokers, women and most of its patrons
. But it is better than the distant and expensive presumptuous atmosphere that it presently offers. Belmont has to be grateful to its traditional followers and not be taken for granted. Not at these prices and forced conditions.
.
Going to the track should not feel like entering a Casino. The line smells, atmosphere should be different,not stoic,formal and stingy. Belmont ‘s initial impression with the thin line between Casimo and a n informal track betting atmosphere is getting thinner.It will keep some former bettors away by sticking to their living rooms television while holding their credit caonrds close without venturing into the track,even the once welcoming,open air Belmont,even with its occasional weeds aromas which are annoying especially to veteran bettors, Non smokers, women and most of its patrons
. But it is better than the distant and expensive presumptuous atmosphere that it presently offers. Belmont has to be grateful to its traditional followers and not be taken for granted. Not at these prices and forced conditions.
.