Intricate Spirit returns to a familiar setting Saturday as the 3-to-1 morning-line favorite in the $150,000 Paradise Creek Stakes at Belmont at the Big A, but will there a twist thrown from persistent rain?

The 3-year-old gelding captured last fall’s Grade 3 Futurity over the same scheduled course and six-furlong distance, earning his way to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Rain could put Saturday’s turf racing in question in New York, but Intricate Spirit is expected to run rain or shine, whether the Paradise Creek stays on the grass or is moved to the dirt. Trainer Miguel Clement is adding blinkers for Intricate Spirit, who was uncharacteristically far back in the early going last time out in the Palisades at Keeneland and never managed to get involved. Aqueduct’s leading jockey Manny Franco will take the reins on Saturday.

Miguel said, “He will break and the plan is to go forward with him. He’s doing great. I think you just draw a line through his last race. To be frank, I’m quite bullish about him.”

Acquired by Miguel’s late father, Christophe, at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale, Intricate Spirit races for West Point, Madaket Stables and Kenneth and Gail Beitz.

NYRA preview for the Paradise Creek