Tomorrow’s weather for Big Apple Showcase Day might not scream “summer!” (mid 70s, partly cloudy, occasional shower, if you were wondering), but thanks to Frost Giant and the good folks at Sunrise Stables, kids under 12 will be treated to free ice cream from Mister Softee in the backyard at Belmont Park.

Sunrise Stables, partners in such Frost Giant progeny as Kelli Got Frosty, Giant Finish, and West Hills Giant, and Andrew Cohen, owner of Frost Giant, are sponsoring the event to raise money for Anna House, the day care and early education center on the Belmont backstretch.

Said Sunset’s Ann Marie Flanagan, an Anna House volunteer, “We hope to be set up by the playground for optimal ‘kid traffic’ and we’ll be handing out literature about the purpose of and efforts at Anna House.”

The Belmont Child Care Association (on whose board I serve) was founded in 1988 and offers low-cost care and education to the children of New York’s backstretch workers, from six weeks of age until they go to kindergarten. Anna House is open 365 days a year at 5 a.m.

For those of us a little older than 12 who might like to add a little “Frosty” treat to our racing day, all proceeds from ice cream sales will go to the BCCA; donations are also encouraged.

Three stakes-winning Frost Giant offspring will be in action Saturday: Comandante in the Commentator; Loki’s Vengeance in the Mike Lee; and Frosty Bay in the Mount Vernon.  The Mike Lee is the first leg of the Big Apple Triple Crown; the two other legs are the New York Derby at Finger Lakes on July 12 and the Albany at Saratoga on August 24.

Big Apple Showcase Day features six stakes races for New York-bred horses, New York State food and craft vendors, and jockey and trainer autographs signings. Among those expected to be on hand are Jimmy Jerkens, trainer of Belmont hopeful Wicked Strong; Alan Sherman, assistant trainer of California Chrome; Billy Turner, 1977 Triple Crown winning trainer; John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, and Jose Ortiz, and Irad Ortiz, Jr.

So come on out to Belmont Park, watch New York’s finest compete on the track, and enjoy Mr. Softee courtesy of Frosty!