Belmont: State-Bred Showcase

Belmont Park again gives the New York State Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Program a day in the spotlight on Oct. 19 with New York Showcase Day. The $250,000 Empire Classic at 1 1/8 miles headlines the seven stakes races offered for New York-breds.

The Empire Classic is expected to be the return to action of 1999 Empire Classic winner Gander. A recent second in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) behind Lido Palace, the 6-year-old Cormorant gelding will be making the 46th start of his career if he goes.

Say Florida Sandy, whose career total of $1,930,355 makes him the all-time leading New York-bred money-earner, is expected to make his 89th career start when he goes to post in the $125,000 Hudson Handicap at six furlongs.

The lineup for New York Showcase Day, which is restricted to registered New York-breds, is:

$100,000 Maid of the Mist, 2-year-old fillies at a mile: Beautiful America, Blink Twice, Combanchera, Doc's Doll, Doubtful Diva, Manny's Gold Maker, Ormsbys Treasure, Scarlet Billows, and Shesasmokin.

$100,000 Sleepy Hollow, for 2-year-olds at a mile: Funny Cide, Gallant Soldier, Go Rockin' Robin, J.B. Hood, Spite the Devil, and Unbridled Drive.

$125,000 Iroquois Handicap, for fillies and mares, 3 and up, at seven furlongs: Belongs To Mony, Carson City Girl, Dat You Miz Blue, Fromheretoheaven, Little Lori Lu, Maddie May, Princess Dixie, Seeyouinmydreams, Shawklit Mint, Textbook Method, and We'll See Ya.

$125,000 Hudson Handicap, for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs: As Wicked, Brickens, Gratiaen, Impeachthepro, Le Bourget, Private Enterprise, Say Florida Sandy, Strike the Brass, Vodka, and Well Fancied.

$150,000 Ticonderoga Handicap, fillies and mares, 3 and up, at nine furlongs, turf: Brendala, Critical Eye, Eventail, Lady D'Jour, Longingtobeme, Perfect Energy, Rhum, Shopping For Love, Sparkling Ava, Spectaculaireontop, and You'll Be Happy.

$150,000 Mohawk Handicap, for 3-year-olds and up at nine furlongs, turf: Celtic Sky, Chasin' Wimmin, Finality, Haggs Castle, I'm All Yours, Reluctant Groom, Robbie's Rockin, Statement, Whitmore's Conn, and World of Wonder.

$250,0000 Empire Classic, for 3-year-olds and up at nine furlongs: Compelling World, Gander, J's Wild Slew, Mount Intrepid, Personal Pro, Running Today, Sherpa Guide, Thebigapple, and Toddler, with Brave One, Lord of the Thunder, and No Parole listed as questionable.

Belmont Park's Fall Championship Meet will come to an end on Sunday, October 20th. Free general admission and parking will be offered for fans on closing day. Aqueduct's fall meet will open on Wednesday, Oct. 23.