Velasquez Goes for Record

After failing to win a race on Friday, John Velasquez will try again today to break the record for most victories by a jockey at a Saratoga meet.

Velasquez, the runaway leader in the standings, equaled Jerry Bailey’s mark of 55 -- set two years ago -- with two victories on Thursday and he’ll have plenty of chances to surpass that total this afternoon. He is named to ride in nine of the 11 races on the card.

One of his mounts is the talented 2-year-old Chapel Royal, who will be favored to remain unbeaten in the $200,000 Hopeful, a Grade I at seven furlongs.

Owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, the son of Montbrook is perfect in three starts for trainer Todd Pletcher, winning his races by a combined 20 1/4 lengths.

In his Saratoga debut on July 24, he won the Sanford, a Grade II, by nearly six lengths over a sloppy surface. He will break from the outside in the field of nine.

Pletcher is also scheduled to run Limehouse, a Grand Slam colt who has won three of four, and the Nick Zito-trained Birdstone will make his stakes debut after a smashing victory in his initial start on Aug. 2.

Owned by Marylou Whitney, the half-brother to Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town won by 12 1/2 lengths, completing six furlongs over a muddy surface in 1:10 1/5.

Race of the day: The $125,000 Affirmed Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes is part of a 13-race card at Calder Race Course that features all 2-year-olds. The seven-furlong race, which attracted Sir Oscar, an unbeaten son of Halo’s Image, is part of a national pick three that includes the Hopeful and the $100,000 Bassinet from River Downs.

One for the road: Sharbayan, who has won three of five since coming to the United States for trainer Wally Dollase, should make it four of six in today’s eighth at Arlington, a $45,000 overnight handicap at 1 1/2 miles on the turf. Carlos Marquez Jr. will ride the 5-year-old gelding.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Bold American and Poydras in the first, singling Bold Rhythm in the second and using Diamond Fury and Courageous King in the third.

Winners (through Thursday): Previous day/meet total: 1/74. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10.40/$425.40. Total money bet: $546.