Ready for Duel at Belmont

The most interesting race on the card at Belmont Park today isn’t part of the pick six, which has a carry-over of $51,626.

The pick six begins with the fourth and the noteworthy race is the third, a $49,000 optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Two of the six entrants in the race are Commentator, who has won five of six, and Roman Ruler, one of the most hyped 2-year-olds of 2004 who is making his first start since March 19.

Owned by Tracy Farmer and trained by Nick Zito, Commentator, a 4-year-old gelded son of Distorted Humor, won his first five races by a combined 42 1/4 lengths before finishing seventh of 12 in the Hal’s Hope Handicap Jan. 8 at Gulfstream Park.

A winner by almost 10 lengths in his only previous appearance at Belmont, the New York bred will be ridden by apprentice Channing Hill.

Owned by Fog City Stables and trained by Bob Baffert, Roman Ruler, a 3-year-old Fusaichi Pegasus colt, has won three of six, including the Best Pal last Aug. 15 at Del Mar. Successful in two of three races around one turn, Roman Ruler, who has been training exceptionally well at Santa Anita, will be ridden by Jerry Bailey.

Race of the day: Dubaian Duel, who has been second in her last two races over the Churchill Downs turf course, will try to break through with a victory in today’s ninth at the Louisville track. Brice Blanc will ride the 4-year-old Daggers Drawn filly for Trade Winds Farm and trainer Bill Mott in the $53,300 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $104,494.

One for the road: Thunder Touch should get pace to run at in today’s eighth, the $60,000 Artax Handicap, at Belmont as he tries for his third win in six tries over the track. Eibar Coa will ride the 4-year-old Gulch colt for Frank Stronach and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin in the 6 1/2 -furlong contest, which also lured Summer Service, Smokume, Sir Oscar, New York Hero and Kazoo.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Tipton, Go Coyote Joe and Aries Rising in the fifth, Calamity June and Miranda Stands in the sixth, I’ll Prey For You and Charmvictor in the seventh and Jake Can’t Wait, Jasonjake and Weekend At Larry’s in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/119. Money: Previous day/meet total: $28/$619.10. Total money bet: $844.