Spooky stakes value plays for Belmont Park Oct. 31

A trio of stakes races will highlight a fine Saturday of racing at Belmont Park.

Bold Ruler (G3)

#2 Share the Ride is controlling speed in the feature, but I think #3 Wendell Fong (10-1) has very good value in his second start for Natalia Lynch. Dark bay son of Flat Out is unplaced from four tries this campaign, but the colt has gone up against some tough foes in each event and will appreciate the class relief on Saturday. Luis Saez will ride and track the pace from second in the early stages.

Awad Stakes

Juveniles will go 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf in the endeavor which attracted an overflow field of 13. #1 Shawdyshawdyshawdy (5-1) was stuck behind a dawdling pace when fourth in the recent Pilgrim (G2) and figures to get a more honest tempo to rally into in the Awad. Abreu pupil has never run a bad one in his lifetime, and the rail draw will aid the son of Summer Front who will save ground throughout. 

Zagora Stakes

The ladies will travel 1 1/2 miles on the green, and I will tab the surging #9 Hungry Kitten (5-1) for success in the affair. Trained by Shug McGaughey, the chestnut 4-year-old has shown vast improvement since stretching out to longer voyages, and the 12 furlongs will be an asset for the improving filly. Kentucky-bred drilled a bullet in her latest morning work as well. Jose Ortiz has the call.