Gygistar Seeks More Belmont Park Success

Gygistar is happy Belmont Park is beginning its 60-day spring-summer meet this afternoon.

The 6-year-old gelded son of Prospector’s Music is a .600 hitter at the New York track, having won three of five for owner-breeder Edward Evans and trainer Mark Hennig. Gygistar will try to improve upon that percentage when he takes on seven others in the $100,000 Westchester Handicap.

A victory in the Grade III at one mile would be the second in a row for Gygistar. He won the race a year ago under Joe Bravo by 4 1/4 lengths, beating Saarland, Black Silk and four others.

Javier Castellano, who rode the chestnut for the first time when second to Value Plus in the Artax Handicap on April 2 at Gulfstream Park in Florida, has the mount today.

Trained by Todd Pletcher for owners Aaron and Marie Jones, Value Plus will look for his first victory at Belmont. The 4-year-old gray son of Unbridled’s Song has won three of 11 but is winless in two local races.

Completing the field are Kennel Up, Bahama John, Unforgettable Max, Seeking The Glory, Wando and Swingforthefences.

Race of the day: College Graduate, who has won two in a row for La Canada Stables LLC and trainer Jack Carava, will look for his first victory at Hollywood Park in today’s seventh.

Garrett Gomez, who leads the local jockey standings with nine winners through the first eight days, has the mount on the 3-year-old Bold Badgett colt in the $80,000 claimer at six furlongs. Fallfree, Cepheus Star, Wise Diplomat, Derwin’s Hope and Questionable World complete the lineup.

One for the road: Bright Abundance should improve with the return to the turf in her second U.S. start for trainer Christophe Clement in today’s seventh at Belmont Park. Richard Migliore will ride the 4-year-old daughter of Quiet American in the $48,000 allowance at 1 1/16 miles. Bright Abundance won two of 11 on the grass in France.

Exotically speaking: An early pick four using Musical Review and Circle Z in the first, Ponchofromderancho, Awesome Jared and the Golden Wager entry in the second, Homecoming in the third and Early Snow and Ludicrous Speed in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/24. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15/$134.20. Total money bet: $142.