ELMONT, NY -- Tim Ice brought Independence War to Belmont Park after a frustrating Saratoga season for the Red Bullet gelding. Among a group of three runners whose issues kept them from starting while Summer Bird romped in the Travers at the Spa, Independence War broke out in a severe case of hives that did not subside until the humid summer weather abated. Today he ran for fun in the first, a $19,000 claiming event at 7 ½-furlongs. Owners Kalarikkal and Vilasini Jayaraman headed down to the winner's circle. Ice was there, square-shouldered navy suit, now 3 for 3 at New York ovals, hoping -- after Summer Bird runs in today's Jockey Club Gold Cup -- to make it 4 for 4. Independence War, a hard-knocking 4-year-old, has 23 starts and a 8-1-2 record to his credit. Claimed from Ice in this race, he goes to the new barn of Joe Imperio for Me You and Magoo Stables. It's a bittersweet moment, he's a Jayaraman homebred, but the day goes on. Super Saturday, as the New York Racing Association dubs the highlighting card of Belmont's Fall meeting, offers the perfect excuse for a quick weekend trip to the beautiful East Coast oval. For those of us who travel across the nation, the event is perfectly placed between Saratoga and the Breeders' Cup, five Grade 1 races, welcome reprieve from the daily grind. Last year, chilly weather and a steady downpour prompted the cancellation of live racing on Friday, the New York Racing Association's attempt to preserve the turf course. This year, fears of showers had horsemen holding their breath -- but thus far poor weather has held off. It's a little cloudy, a cool autumn afternoon, three races away from a start in the serious action. When you read reviews of the action here today, comment will doubtless be made over the limited fields. The Beldame drew four betting interests (Pletcher entry of Captain's Lover and Unbridled Belle taking it down in the five-horse field) and the Vosburgh scratched down to four. Jerry Bossert of the New York Daily News explained why in Friday's column. Racegoers are scattered throughout the grounds but there's no packing the stands. Still, those of us who bring the sport to the non-present masses are aware of the day's significance. We're back at Belmont, where history will be made. Stay tuned.