Smokume outlasted an early duel with Summer Service and drew off to win the $58,800 Artax Handicap on a showery day at Belmont Park. The Allen Jerkens trainee ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.05 and was ridden by Chantal Sutherland, her second win of the afternoon.

* Eddington, the starting highweight and probable favorite for Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Suburban Handicap, was declared from the race and had been retired due to a soft tissue injury he suffered after a workout last week.

3RD RACE – When entries were taken on Sunday, everyone was excited when Roman Ruler was entered in this spot instead of the Dwyer Stakes. But there was a surprise entrant in the race, the talented state-bred Commentator. After a couple days to think about it, Roman Ruler was scratched from this spot and will now be pointed to the Dwyer. It was a good decision, because Nick Zito had Commentator cranked up and ready to roll. He led every step of the way and, under a hand ride by apprentice Channing Hill, Commentator won by 16 ½ lengths, racing the seven furlongs in 1:20.23, .06 seconds off the track record.

6TH RACE – Problems at start as longshot Pint Thief stumbled and threw jockey Javier Castellano to ground. Loose horse then rushed up to front of field and stayed there for rest of race. Praia Da Pipa raced just inside the loose horse and then was joined on the outside by Wait It Out. At top of stretch, Wait it Out and Praia De Pipa were alongside each other but Praia De Pipa had to steady to avoid running up on heels of loose horse. Masseuse had clear racing room on outside, swept by two leaders and then raced alongside loose horse to wire for victory.

7TH RACE – Jockey Shannon Uske returned to New York from Canterbury Downs to ride as journeyman for the first time locally on Lilah, the horse she rode in her first lifetime mount and for her first career victory. She rated Lilah off the pace and then took over the lead in the stretch and drew away for the victory. Uske and Lilah combined for a few victories together for Allen Jerkens. The eight-year-old mare was claimed for $100,000 from the race by Bruce Levine.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 1-8-5-3-2-8

5 winners each receives $42,006

128 consolation (5 of 6) winners each receives $412.50

No carryover.