Belmont: DRF Plus handicapping report for May 17, 2014
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Belmont on Saturday, May 17.
DRF StaffMay 16, 2014
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Belmont on Saturday, May 17.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Pimlico on Saturday, May 17.
DRF Plus closer looks for Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 17.
DRF Plus closer looks for Belmont Park on Saturday, May 17.
DRF Plus closer looks for Pimlico on Saturday, May 17.
In race 2, there are some noteworthy pedigrees. Cat’s Claw, who improved through three races last fall for Jonathan Sheppard, comes off a rallying fifth on Polytrack in her 2014 debut. She’s bred to get the trip, as her dam, Chili Cat, is a half-sister to the Phipps Stable bluebloods Point of Entry and Pine Island. Sward, an Indian Charlie filly making her third start for Bill Mott, is out of Greenery, and thus is a half-sister to Lea, a graded stakes winner on turf and dirt, capped by a 114 Beyer Speed Figure in winning the Donn Handicap for these connections this year.
The main track played exceptionally quick through five races Thursday, rated anywhere from 22 to 31 points fast on the Beyer Speed Figure scale (roughly 8 to 11 lengths). Off-the-pace types enjoyed an edge, as four of the five races were won by horses rallying from the rear half of the field.
In the nightcap, where there is a Super Hi 5 carryover of $7,784, First Beach is appealing in his third start of his current form cycle and having respectable Polytrack and turf form.
Trainer Kenny McPeek, uncharacteristically quiet for the first three weeks of the Churchill meet, entered the Thursday card 0 for 20. But after Thursday’s races, he was a far more respectable 2 for 23.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Santa Anita on Friday, May 16.