Silver Train Is Back at Belmont

A return to Belmont Park could be what Silver Train needs to win for the first time in 2006.

The beaten favorite in his first two races as a 4-year-old, Silver Train, whose biggest win came as an 11-1 shot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 29 at Belmont, will face six others today in the $600,000 Metropolitan Handicap in New York.

Owned by Buckram Oak Farm and trained by Rick Dutrow Jr., the son of Old Trieste has won three of five over the track as he stretches to a mile in the Grade I.

Edgar Prado, who was aboard for the head victory over a much-troubled Taste Of Paradise in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, has the call again today. In Silver Train’s only previous try at one mile, he won the Jerome Handicap by five lengths Sept. 11 at Belmont.

The one to beat in the Metropolitan is Bandini. The 4-year-old Fusaichi Pegasus colt is two for two in 2006, having won an optional claimer and the Skip Away Handicap at Gulfstream Park.

Completing the field are Mass Media, Sun King, Wilko, New York Hero and Sir Greeley.

Race of the day: Preachinatthebar, who scored a neck win in the Texas Mile in his Lone Star Park debut April 29, is back in search of another lucrative score in the $400,000 Lone Star Park Handicap today. Jon Court will ride the 5-year-old Silver Charm horse for owner-breeder Mike Pegram and trainer Bob Baffert in the Grade III at 1 1/16 miles. Two other California-based riders -- Patrick Valenzuela and Aaron Gryder -- will also be at Lone Star to ride Magnum and Texcess, respectively, in the race.

One for the road: Fairway Drive meets a weak field and should improve in his second start on turf and can win the 10th at Belmont. Prado has the call on the 3-year-old Western Expression gelding in the $42,000 maiden affair for New York-breds at 1 1/8 miles on turf.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Shermeen in the second; Tug O’War and Romantic Rogue in the third; and Great Action, American Memories and Riteuare in the fourth.

Winners: (previous day/meet total): 3/62. Money: (previous day/meet total): $11.80/$394. Total money bet: $452.