Prince James looks well positioned

Prince James hooked a standout winner in his most recent start and the company line points him out as a chief contender in Saturday’s seventh race at Belmont Park. The second-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up will be run over 6 1/2 furlongs.

Prince James is part of a sixhorse field that includes Fitzpatrick, who won a first-level allowance in March at Aqueduct, and Stage Left, who is looking for his third straight win. Prince James was favored at this level in his last start April 28, when he ran second Repo Rocks. Prince James finished 5 3/4 lengths behind that one, in a six-furlong sprint that went in 1:10.26.

“I thought he ran a really good race last time,” said

Rob Atras, who trains Prince James. “I thought he was maybe dropping back in the turn and he kind of re-rallied and kicked on. The winner ran a really big race that day, earned almost a 100 Beyer.”

Repo Rocks was assigned a 99 for his victory, while Prince James earned an 87 in what is the second-best last-race Beyer in Saturday’s field. Prince James was a $25,000 claim in January by Lawrence Roman. He won over 6 1/2 furlongs that day at Aqueduct and earned a career-high Beyer of 94.

“I’m still kind of learning about him,” said Atras. “I think six and a half, to seven, to a one-turn mile is okay for him. He’s the type of horse who has good tactical speed, doesn’t necessarily want to be rushed too much early in the race. He wants to be in his rhythm, then make his run.”

Prince James will start from post 6 under Manny Franco.

“I do like that post for him,” Atras said. “Hopefully, we can get a good, clean break, look at what’s going on. Manny knows him.”

Fitzpatrick exits the same race as Prince James, finishing fourth. Trevor McCarthy has the mount from post 3. Stage Left will break from the rail, one start after winning a $25,000 claiming race at Keeneland with a Beyer Speed Figure of 88, the best last-race number in the field Saturday.

◗ The $100,000 Seek Again was to have been the feature Saturday, but it was brought back as an extra for Sunday.

◗ Saturday’s 11-race card also spotlights several races for New York-breds, including the 10th race, a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs on turf. The field of 12 includes Sheriff Bianco, with Jamie Spencer named to ride by trainer Wesley Ward.

Maracuja at Belmont

Grade 1 winner Maracuja, who wintered at Oaklawn, is now at Belmont Park and will likely work this weekend, said Atras. She was an allowance winner in her 4-year-old debut April 1 and in her most recent start ran fourth in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom on April 23.

Atras said Maracuja could race next in June, with plans for her summer campaign still being determined. Last year, Maracuja won the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga by a head over eventual champion Malathaat.