Belmont: Closer Looks for May 4, 2014
DRF Plus closer looks for Belmont on Sunday, May 4.
DRF StaffMay 03, 2014
DRF Plus closer looks for Belmont on Sunday, May 4.
Sometimes it takes a while for form to settle down early at a race meet, but favorites came close to sweeping the card on Day 2.
While the stamina of 3-year-olds is tested in the Kentucky Derby, fans in New York also will have their endurance tested by a marathon card that spans almost eight hours.
The probability of a swift pace in the Kentucky Derby is strong, with six speed horses trying to stretch out to 1 1/4 miles. Which horse makes the lead? It could be any of those listed below.
Inside and speed horses ruled during the nine-race card. The lone bias buster was Anfield Park, who got away slowly before closing wide from last on her left lead to take the opener, an $8,000 conditioned claimer. Horses who were competitive racing outside included I’m Just Sayin, Erma Lee, Melrose Sky, Diamonds are B F F, and Call Her Karma.
The $125,000 Ballade, a six-furlong stakes for Ontario-sired females, is wide-open. Only four of the 12 entrants have started this year. Silent Star and Hurricane Lorraine look best among that quartet. Stakes winners Bear’s Gem, who won last year’s Ballade, Moonlit Beauty, Strut the Course, Laughing Falcon, and I’m a Kittyhawk are all on the comeback trail.
The third-highest attendance in Kentucky Oaks history, 113,071 fans, turned out to watch Untapable turn in the most sparkling Oaks performance since eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra won the race by more than 20 lengths in 2009.
Now to the question of the day: Who’s going to win the Derby? California Chrome – that’s the prediction here, anyway.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3.
DRF Plus handicapping analysis for Santa Anita on May 3, 2013.