A Worthwhile Pick Six

Although it wasn’t the Triple Crown winner a lot of people were hoping for, Belmont Park did produce something extremely noteworthy Saturday.

Thanks to Sarava’s stunning upset in the Belmont Stakes and a couple of other surprises, there is a pick six carryover for today of $685,751 at the Elmont, N.Y., track.

The best horse running anywhere in the country today is also the most logical single in the pick six, which covers races 3-8.

Xtra Heat, the 4-year-old sprint machine, will go for her 21st win in 27 starts in the $150,000 Vagrancy Handicap.

Owned by Ken Taylor and John and Harry Deitchman, and trained by John Salzman, the Dixieland Heat filly will carry the top weight of 127 pounds, spotting her five foes anywhere from nine to 14 pounds.

Of course, Xtra Heat, who has won three of five at Belmont Park, has already won carrying 128 pounds. Worse than third only once in her career, she will again be ridden by Harry Vega in the 6 1/2-furlong Vagrancy.

The lineup in the Grade II Stakes race includes some other ladies who have had success at Belmont. Cat Cay, a late-running daughter of Pleasant Colony, has won three of six in Elmont and Shine Again, who was second to Xtra Heat in last month’s Genuine Risk, has never been worse than third in seven races at the track.

La Galerie, Gold Mover and Celtic Melody, who complete the field, are all one-time winners at Belmont Park.

Race of the day: The fifth at Hollywood Park brings out some 2-year-old firsters sired by former Hollywood Gold Cup winners Gentlemen and Siphon along with rookies by Pulpit and Clever Trick. The seventh marks the return of Tamara Princess, a winner of three of four and a full sister to former champion mare Riboletta.

Who’s hot: Surprise Halo. The 4-year-old Glomar gelding will seek his sixth consecutive win on turf in today’s ninth at Bay Meadows.

Who’s not: Magical. Good enough to win the Will Rogers at Hollywood Park in 1998, the 7-year-old finished last against $8,000 claimers on Friday night. Wouldn’t it be nice if he was retired? It’s clear he can’t run anymore.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Dance Dreamer in the sixth with Sligo Bay, Blue Steller, Rafid and McDab in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 6/93. Money: Previous day/meet total: $29.80/$534.60. Total money bet: $602.