G2 Kelso and G2 Gallant Bloom headline Belmont Park Live's weekend coverage on MSG+, Regional FOX Sports networks

by Pat Mckenna

Highlighted by coverage and analysis of the Grade 2, $300,000 Kelso Handicap on Saturday and Grade 2, $300,000 Gallant Bloom Handicap on Sunday, Belmont Park Live returns this weekend to provide racing coverage from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET on MSG+ and a host of regional FOX Sports networks. 

Tom's Ready will look to build off an impressive rally last out in the Grade 1 Forego when he returns to Belmont Park to compete against a field of five competitors in the 37th running of the Kelso for 3-year-olds and up. Carded as Race 9 with an approximate post time of 5:45 p.m., the Kelso will also feature Tommy Macho, Ross, Divining Rod, Sharp Azteca and Bird Song.

On Sunday, multiple graded stakes winner Highway Star will return to Belmont to headline a six-horse field in the 24th running of the Gallant Bloom for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. Carded as Race 5, the Gallant Bloom is one of three stakes races on the day, encompassing the $125,000 Ashley T. Cole in the second and the $125,000 John Hettinger in the eighth and penultimate race.

Belmont Park Live, presented by Claiborne Farm and stallion Runhappy, is hosted by Greg Wolf with racing analysis from Andy Serling, Maggie Wolfendale, Gabby Gaudet and Paul Lo Duca. The show airs each live race day from Belmont Park through October 1 before returning for a special edition on Empire Showcase Day, October 21.

SATURDAY, September 23

• Belmont Park Live airs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Broadcast partners: MSG+
• Feature races: Grade 2 $300,000 Kelso; Grade 3 $200,000 Noble Damsel

SUNDAY, September 24

• Belmont Park Live airs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Broadcast partners:  MSG+, FOX Sports Prime Ticket, FOX Sports San Diego, and FOX Sports Ohio
• Feature races: Grade 2 $300,000 Gallant Bloom; $125,000 John Hettinger; $125,000 Ashley T. Cole

NYRA Bets is the best way to play Belmont Park's 38-day Fall Championship Meet, featuring 42 stakes worth more than $10.1 million including six Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" qualifiers to be held over the course of back-to-back weekends at the end of September and early October. The meet runs  through Sunday, October 29.

Horseplayers can play the NYRA Bets Late Pick 5 on Saturdays and Sundays from Belmont Park through Super Saturday on October 7. The popular multi race wager features a low 15 percent takeout rate and $0.50 minimum bet. The NYRA Bets Late Pick 5 includes a 100 percent carryover provision of the net pool into the next available NYRA Bets Late Pick 5 if there are no winning tickets. There will be a mandatory payout of the pool on Saturday, October 7.