Venue: Belmont at the Big A — Ozone Park, Queens, NY
Distance: 1 Mile (Dirt) — One‑Turn Mile
Purse: $150,000
Scheduled Post Time: 4:46 PM ET
The Take The A Train Stakes is a key early‑summer prep for older sprinters stretching out to the one‑turn mile. This year’s field blends proven stakes runners, rising allowance stars, and versatile pace types — a recipe for a highly tactical race.
EXPECTED WEATHER & TRACK CONDITIONS
Temperature: 65–68°F
Sky: Partly cloudy
Wind: 8–12 mph (crosswind on the backstretch)
Rain: <10% chance
Track Condition: Fast
The one‑turn mile at Aqueduct typically favors tactical speed, and with dry conditions expected, the surface should play fair.
FULL FIELD ANALYSIS
(Post positions, horses, trainers, jockeys, recent finishes, and morning‑line odds)
POST 1 — CITY COMMUTER
Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Morning Line: 3‑1 Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st
A rail‑draw specialist with elite tactical speed. City Commuter has been dominant in allowance company and now steps up to stakes level. Ortiz is the perfect pilot for a horse who breaks sharply and sits just off the pace. Brown’s barn excels with one‑turn milers, and this gelding’s recent 7F win suggests he’s ready for the mile.
Strengths: Tactical speed, rail draw, top connections Concerns: First stakes try; must avoid getting pinned inside
POST 2 — EAST RIVER EXPRESS
Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: John Velazquez Morning Line: 4‑1 Recent Finishes: 3rd, 1st, 4th
A classy stalker who thrives at the one‑turn mile. East River Express owns some of the best late‑pace figures in the field and has been facing tougher company. Velazquez is a master at rationing speed, and Pletcher’s horses typically improve second off the layoff.
Strengths: Strong finishing kick, proven class Concerns: Needs a pace setup; can flatten if pace is soft
POST 3 — SUBWAY SAMURAI
Trainer: Linda Rice Jockey: Jose Lezcano Morning Line: 6‑1 Recent Finishes: 2nd, 5th, 1st
A versatile runner who can press or stalk. Subway Samurai has been competitive in New York‑bred stakes and now tries open company. Rice’s horses often outrun their odds in these mid‑level stakes, and Lezcano fits this gelding’s grinding style.
Strengths: Versatile running style, strong Aqueduct record Concerns: Needs to prove he belongs at this level
POST 4 — TRACKSIDE TROOPER
Trainer: Bill Mott Jockey: Junior Alvarado Morning Line: 5‑1 Recent Finishes: 4th, 1st, 2nd
A steady, reliable runner who rarely throws in a clunker. Trackside Trooper has been knocking on the door in similar stakes and owns a strong one‑turn mile record. Mott has him working sharply, and Alvarado knows how to time his sustained run.
Strengths: Consistent, strong stamina Concerns: Not explosive; needs a clean trip
POST 5 — METRO MOMENTUM
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione Morning Line: 7‑2 Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 3rd
The “now” horse in the field. Metro Momentum enters on a two‑race winning streak, including a sharp allowance score with a 100+ speed figure. Joseph spots him aggressively here, signaling confidence. Gaffalione’s aggressive style suits a horse who likes to sit just off the leaders.
Strengths: Red‑hot form, improving rapidly Concerns: First stakes try this season; must handle class jump
POST 6 — NIGHT TRAIN NORTH
Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Joel Rosario Morning Line: 8‑1 Recent Finishes: 3rd, 6th, 2nd
A deep closer who will need pace and racing luck. Night Train North has a strong late kick but often leaves himself too much to do. Rosario is a master with closers, and if the early fractions are hot, he becomes dangerous late.
Strengths: Best late pace in the field Concerns: Pace‑dependent; traffic risk
PACE & RACE SHAPE ANALYSIS
Early Speed: City Commuter, Metro Momentum
Stalkers: East River Express, Subway Samurai
Closers: Trackside Trooper, Night Train North
Projected Pace: Honest to fast This should set up well for East River Express and Trackside Trooper, while City Commuter may face pressure late.
