Kelly Kip, unraced since a second-place finish to Brutally Frank in the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap on April 15, recorded his third workout since returning from his second hock infection in as many years. Kelly Kip, a 10-time stakes winner, worked four furlongs over Belmont’s sloppy main track in :47 around the dogs.

“We found it right after the Bold Ruler,” Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The same horse getting the exact same hock infection two years in a row. Thankfully, this one wasn’t as serious as the first.”

Kelly Kip, who has earned more than $1 million, was forced to the sidelines for most of the ’99 racing season after a hock infection almost took his life. This bout only forced him to miss four months of training. “It’s good to have him back around the barn,” Jerkens said. “He was well within himself this morning. I’m not sure where or when he’ll surface again.”

1ST RACE – Despite heavy rains on Tuesday that forced all turf races to be switched to the main track, the main track was listed as fast for the opener. Despite getting bumped entering the stretch, Duplicitous closed well on the outside to overtake Uncle T for the victory. Ariel Sands checked sharply when bumped by Hot Package and then into Duplicitous.

2ND RACE – You and I Babe scratched from an easier spot, an off the turf race at The Meadowlands on Tuesday night, to race in this spot. She broke well and set the pace throughout to win her return to maiden claiming ranks. Colonial Banner broke in the air but recovered quickly to stalk the early pace. She saved ground throughout and finished well in the stretch to be second to You and I Babe. Besttwobelong stumbled at the start and never threatened.

5TH RACE – It’s A Lark rated off the pace while saving ground early. Entering the stretch she was full of run and showed a powerful closing kick on the rail to finish third. Norberto Arroyo Jr. rode her and we have seen him win many races with similar tactics on the rail. Baby Barbara and Ruby Friday bumped at the start, but Ruby Friday recovered quickly to stalk the pace while wide and edge away for the victory near the wire.

7TH RACE – Favored Thunder Wonder lost all chance when she reared at the start, spotting the field a couple lengths. Sister Hazel set the pace while Twotime pressed outside of her. Twotime was wide entering the far turn, took the lead entering the stretch, but couldn’t hold off Cajun Season, who stalked the pace and then closed well on the outside for the victory.

9TH RACE – Favored Why Two Kay Rumble stalked the pace from the rail. Entering the far turn she checked slightly when crowded in towards the rail and she then lost momentum, losing considerable ground and falling back to last. She never recovered from that, eventually beating only one horse. Improver was last early but then made a strong move on the turn to reach contention. He took the lead turning for home and drew away to an easy victory.

YESTERDAY’S CLAIM

1ST RACE: Hot Package ($25,000) by Faustino Ramos

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 3-5-10-6-2-15

9 winners each receives $3,697

259 consolation (5 of 6) winners

each receives $45

No carryover.