If the Honey Ryder that runs in Saturday’s Sheepshead Bay at Belmont Park is the same mare as the one seen in the states prior to a trip to Dubai, then the battle will be for the runner-up as the Todd Pletcher trainee stands the class of this Grade II field.

Honey Ryder prefers to race inside of horses, a scenario which failed to develop in the Sheema Classic. Recent defeats on these shores have come at the hands of Jambalaya, Ouija Board and Gorella — and she certainly doesn’t find that sort here, although it is interesting that she sheds blinkers today.

As David Grening of DRF accurately states, her sternest challenge could come from her stablemate, Safari Queen. Barancella also merits a look despite finishing behind Safari Queen in each of her last three starts, and for a price to jazz up what looks to be a chalky affair, perhaps Cliffrose (at 30-1 in the line) can give an improved showing second off the layoff while stretching back out to her preferred distance.

StablePicks: 1st — Honey Ryder
…………………..2nd — Safari Queen
…………………..3rd — Cliffrose

UPDATE!
**RESULTS**
1st — Honey Ryder ($4.30)
2nd — Safari Queen
3rd — Hostess

$2 Exacta $7.30