Belmont: Closer Looks for June 14, 2014

Race 1

Social Affair

Field's most experienced turfer makes his first start of the year of a set of solid recent breezes for a barn that boasts some recent luck with returnees; he'll get a top pilot for the comebacker and he has shown some early interest over the local sod; contender first time back.

Better Man

MTO tired when stretched out to the trip in the local slop in Saturday and now he'll quickly give it another shot if the rains come; expect he'll again be close early and given his pedigree maybe he'll have a little more to offer late second time at this trip; price should be right to use him in exotics if this gets moved off.

Pacific

Pricey in-training buy last spring makes his debut for an outfit that certainly knows what it's doing with this type and a top pilot will take the call; works are all easy breezes so there's not a lot to take from the tab but it is steady and his sire gets 14% first out winners from his offspring; gray is the first foal to race out of a G2 SW dam who banked 272K in her career.

Perfect Stormy

Moves back in with MSWs after tiring in his first crack on the lawn; colt did show some improved early interest on the stretchout last time and the dam was a G2 SW turfer and 541K earner who has dropped 2 surface winners in the states so maybe he deserves another crack over this stuff, but they were willing to lose him last time and that doesn't bode so well for his chances of improving enough to factor.

Wing Foot

Took some money in his troubled surface debut at Keeneland last month and now he'll try the local so with some decent interim breezes in tow; colt is kin to a surface winner in the states as well as several overseas including g G1 SW and 1.1 million earner Lucarno; have to think he takes a big step forward with a clean run second time out; can't be overlooked.

Grand Strand

MTO earned a field best number while holding second money across town in his first spin on this circuit; colt returned to breeze well here for a barn that stretches them out well and kin to a handful of route and off track winners, including G1 SP, SW and 505K earner Barcola, he figures to be right at home were this to be rained off; one to beat if he goes.

Distant Thoughts

MTO offered little in a heat with similar conditions here this past weekend; his lone sib's 2 wins both came sprinting so despite the long winded sire's side of the pedigree maybe this guy just isn't fond of going long; just watching him if he meets the starter.

Howl

Adds the hood for his first crack off the claim by an outfit that hasn't had any recent luck with this type; colt failed to hold on at odds on when rivals came to him in the claiming ranks and he'll jump back up to face MSWs here in his turf debut; sharp interim drill suggests he does like the new equipment and his sire does get 10% first surface winners from his offspring; he's the first foal to race out of a limited route winning dam who was winless from one grass try.

Jimmy Soul

Brings some speed to the table for his first turf start for an outfit that hasn't had much luck with this type; sire gets 14% initial surface winners from his offspring and the G2 SP dam was 0 for 1 on the green prior to dropping foals who were a combined 0 for 5 on the footing; don't know that he's going to love the lawn but his speed could take him a long way and he's certainly bred to take to the conditions if the rains come and this gets moved to dirt.

Lunar Tales

Showed big early foot sprinting first out on the Gulfstream lawn and held pretty well for second money over a runner who returned to break his maiden with an 86 Beyer over synthetic footing North of the border; new outfit is having a pretty nice stand and they've worked him several times locally for his first crack on this circuit; his sire was a G1 SP router and the dam did win going long so this guy should take to the added trip; one to catch and beat. - Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Lofty Heart

Lightly-raced in comparison and there are several gaps in her profile yet her last try was better than the running line suggests; would have been much closer with a clear run and now drops a notch; may have to deal with another non-firm turf course, however, if the forecast holds true.

Take Down Two

Warhorse will hit the century mark today if the race is washed away; had a legitimate excuse in his first start under this management and would need a strong early pace here in order to have a realistic chance; that may not occur judging by the running styles of his opponents.

Request a Puck

He has been blanked as far as his turf career goes but he has faced better stock in all of those defeats; made 2 moves in the last run at Evangeline when going long and he has won following a cutback in distance in the past; interesting possibility despite being shut out all year.

Hannibal Lecter

This gelding could be a pace possibility if the race is switched to the main; used to have a decent first, and prompting, gear; did not have an easy journey in the last assignment and is a definite danger if a muddy track is the case at post time; re-unites with Maragh who has winning experience aboard.

Emkanaat (GB)

Did not fire in his first try since crossing the pond, an off-the-turfer; interesting finesse to his campaign in Great Britain: one of his top efforts was over ground labeled good to firm and that could well be the exact course condition at post today; could prove to be the right value investment.

Doubledown Again

Exits a fast race at Parx but his grass record leaves much to be desired; even though he is not listed as a MTO, he stands a much better chance if there is a surface switch today; might be able to launch a decent rally from midpack but inexperience over this course must be viewed as a minus.

Golden Itiz

Blank exacta record as far as his grass slate is concerned yet one of those losses can be completely toss as it was a G2 try; one-run type picks up Velasquez who has a strong record for these connections; returns to the purchase price and cannot be dismissed from consideration.

Came Back

Commendable showing at Pimlico last month, his only venture of the year; if this affair remains on the turf, he should benefit by the lack of pace opposition; may last much longer than most bettors anticipate; worth inclusion if the tote board reflects that.

Animal Style

The obvious one to beat if he can equal or surpass the last performance at the course, class and distance; outside post will not matter as this field will be reduced by post time; all 3 of his victories on the green have been achieved over good courses; note the trainer's solid record in all relevant categories. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Darnley Bay

Steps up in price for her first off the claim by this low profile outfit after a couple of runner up finishes over the track; mare draws inside and should be able to sit a ground saving spot in a field that doesn't look to contain a lot of early foot; she did run off 3 scores in 4 tries this past winter over the inner and she does own a local score; contender.

We'll Talk

Didn't have much to say on the stretch back out for a cheaper price in her first off this barn's claim; she does have a little bit of early lick which could play out well in this heat and she was pretty good against cheaper in the spring, but don't know that she's good enough to get back on track against this bunch; have to side with others on the win end.

Go Olivia Go

Got within a length of the winner when making her first start off the claim by this solid barn; return to dirt should help her and she does own a local score but it appears as of she'd also appreciate some pace help in front of her; she's one to consider.

Rosie My Way

Fought hard every step of the way to prevail when sent to Monmouth for the drop in for a tag last time, taking a big step forward off the efforts she has set forth in Florida prior to that one; she'll likely find herself up with the pacesetters early in this one and she did find the winner's circle the last time she stepped over the local main track; worth a repeat look.

Taylor Jagger

Offered little from a wide spot when cut back to sprint against cheaper here last week; filly didn't threaten the winner in either of her prior 2 starts at the stand and there's not a lot to suggest she'll be set to take a big step forward in this spot; looking elsewhere for the winner.

Love the Breeding

Outside drawn filly drops back in for a tag after snapping a 3 race winning streak at 6-5 at Parx; her recent scores have come in 2 turn routes but she's been handy enough to sit close up from the bell and shouldn't have any trouble handling the configuration; looks like they'll have her to beat in her local debut. - Steve Grabowski

Race 4

Awesomendensome

21 and 2 opening quarter in the debut win but adding 1F onto latest when barely hanging on to score is the concern; has Lindy to deal with early then the closers late; debut win looks better since the runner-up finisher posted a 65 Beyer speed figure in her next-out GP-MSW win.

Liatris

Field-best Beyer speed figure in her off-the-pace debut win; the added yardage here is a plus; handled wet footing in last and worked a bullet pre-race on fast so likely to handle anything; saves al the ground then makes one run; the one to beat.

Lindy

Eye-catching debut win ridden out; projects to battle Awesomendensome for the lead; won a key race defeating 3 next-out winners; the runner-up, show and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 65-56-48 in next-out BEL-PID-MSW wins; view as a speedy contender for win honors.

Dads Little Girls

Light-debut Beyer in the exacta finish vs. maidens; the first 3 posts here are all winners; off latest rally the added half furlong should be a welcomed addition; would need a major speed figure improvement to land a share here.

Julie's Indy

Beaten by stablemate Dads Little Girls when losing ground at shorter; the added yardage here doesn't help the cause; picks up 6 pounds for a trainer 0-for-21 since 2013 with maiden-2nd starters; picked a tough spot today to graduate.

Fashion Alert

Sire is 5-for-28 with 2-year-old 1st-time starters; is out of a 7-0-1-1 dam (7K) who's only other foal to race is Grade 2-stakes winner Renee's Titan (2-for-12, 168K) who won her career debut; 1sters win these kind of 2-year-old stakes and the workouts say she is a quick one and dangerous at 1st asking; the pick. - Art Gropper

Race 5

Noosh's Tale

He boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here, and it isn't like he hasn't shown the ability to perform at that level in the past; his lack of early speed can provide for some anxious moments, but if he feels up to one of his better efforts, he'll be tough to deny.

Half Wildcat

He's another late running option to consider in here, but he is going to have to step up his game to get the better of this field and he hasn't been at his best when fresh in the past; winner from latest won next out at Aqu on 12/5 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. 50k OPC's with an 84 Beyer.

Sonnyandpally

Despite finishing sixth of 10, he welcomed a return to turf in his latest start, and that effort can serve as a useful conditioner for this; not sure that a win is quite within his grasp, but a place underneath in the exotics doesn't appear to be out of the question.

Toy Cannon

He deserves respect for his consistent approach to the game, and he's clearly a good fit at this level of competition, but since winning his turf debut against 25k MCL's at second asking, he's recorded 10 consecutive loses; he figures to be a tough one to keep out of the mix, but have to approach him with some caution when backing him with the win dollar.

Mr Algebra

He shows up for a barn and rider that have teamed to win with 20 of 73 (27%) starters in 2014, and this gelding can get himself into the mix against these if he brings his 'A' game to the table; feel that he is eligible to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff.

Waterway

Have to respect the impact that his early speed can have on the way that this race shapes up, but if he's to beat this bunch, he's going to need a career best effort while making his first start beyond six furlongs; looking toward others.

Elroi

He's yet another in here who likes to sit out the running early on but he has displayed solid form in his three starts this year, and he didn't finish far behind a couple of today's rivals in his most recent outing; he deserves to be listed among the contenders.

Can't Catch Me Now

His better races have been run over dirt and he's never run a race over turf that is anywhere near strong enough to suggest that he can prove to be a player in this spot; he has the look of an outsider.

Birchwood Road

Obviously he's going to need to improve over what he showed us in his first turf start as a 4-year-old in his latest outing if he's to contend, but a few of his starts over turf as a 3-year-old were fine performances, so not going to be shocked if he shows up with a sharper start this time around.

Ballybrit

He was upset minded in his first start for this barn after a 20k claim in his latest outing, and it looks like getting back over turf agreed with him, and even though the early pace in here figures to be quicker with Waterway signed on, this gelding can sit a favorable trip just off of that rival.

Noble Cornerstone

This will be an ideal spot for this stakes placed 3-year-old to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track, but it would have been nice to have seen him finish the job in his latest start after opening up a clear late advantage in a race that saw him go to post as the favorite.

Beyond Empire

He'll be one of the more legitimate options to consider in here if this race has to be moved to the main track and this is a barn and rider that have teamed up to win with 10 of 28 (36%) starters in 2014; if Noble Cornerstone shows up with a sub par performance, he'll be looking to take advantage.

Fleet First

He might appreciate getting back over dirt after a poor showing in his turf debut in his latest outing, but this does look like it might prove to be a tough group for him to meet up with; prefer to give others the nod in this one.

Mark Twain

Like the effort he showed up with in an off-the-turf event two starts ago, but he did benefit from an ideal early pace scenario that day, and that might be a reason to question if he can reproduce that level of performance; others entice more.

Saturday Appeal

He's been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in his two most recent races, but if the early pace in here is slow to develop, he can give himself a chance to turn the tables on those foes in this one; feel that he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Infinite Magic

He exits the best race and must be given long look off that fact alone; a game winner the last time in allowance land, colt is proven fresh and he was in kind of tough on the ship last time; place horse in last took a Grade 3 next out, 4th finisher won a G2 next, 6th finisher beat optional claimers in next and the winner was 2nd a head in the Grade 1 Turf Classic; he'll need help up front and there is not a ton of speed in here; look for him late if at all.

General Logan

Gelding has been carefully placed and note he won in the comebacker just over a year ago in Maryland; would not be shocked if he is forwardly placed with not much zip in here; must find a way to turn the tables on arch rival next door among others.

Swift Warrior

Been on the stakes diet forever it seems; he has the 2 races to draw from now and note he did pinball on the gate in last; 4th finisher took the G2 Monmouth last Sunday in Jersey and 9th finisher beat optional claimers here last Saturday; he did catch legit splits last time; don't ignore.

Irsaal

Gelding moves up in the off going so keep one eye to the sky; he's been consistent this year and the second best of 31 spin on the 31st was solid; should sit a nice stalk and rally journey; respect.

Dawly

Nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 20 of 32; he's proven he can put wins together and the way he drew off in last suggests this trip will be to his liking; top last-race Beyer in the pocket; major threat if race comes off the grass.

Slim Shadey (GB)

Only in the money a couple of times since the last win; beaten chalk in the smallish field 2 back, he pushed the splits in last but gave up the ghost before the real racing began; the trip is no problem and he will be forwardly spotted; out to snap the long slump.

Unbridled Ocean

Proven at this level, he was inching toward the winner in last; and he doesn't have to be 14 back early this time; he beat the big field in Dubai last year and like the series of drills coming to this race; look out.

Manighar (FR)

Down Under form solid and maybe he just needed the last effort; it has been awhile since he has seen a cameraman; pro got a little R and R upstate since the Ft Marcy; got a feeling we have not seen this racer's A game. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Uncle Southern

Just missed while making her return from 4 months at the level here last month; filly's quick breaking habits and positional speed always have her in a great spot from the bell and she clearly likes the local course; barn boasts sharp numbers with its runners second off the break so expect she'll move forward some today; contender.

Atlantic's Smile

Makes her first start of the year for a new outfit with a steay recent set of drills in tow; filly was quite good on the local green last year and her best would be good enough to make her a big threat in this spot, but note that she didn't fire right out of the box last year here, needing a race before she got going; still, she's certainly one to consider today.

Possetivevibration

MTO would catch a pretty watered down bunch if she were to meet the starter in this spot; filly will tackle older for the initial time and that's not an easy task, but she does have solid positional foot and was on the improve until running into stakes foes in her cross town finale; one to consider if the rain comes.

My Jopia

She's in for the optional tag while dropping back in to face restricted runners in her second start of the year; mare was good here last year and though the fact she's in for sale is a concern, maybe she just needed her return try and will have more to offer while luring another top pilot today; 2 time local winner's best effort makes her the main danger.

Ornellia

She worked well for her second start of the year after finding some trouble behind one of these last time; maybe she's better with the effort out of the way, but she's been stuck at the level for a while now and will need to improved quite a bit in order to have a say in the outcome today; prefer others.

Rakin' Gold

Returns from better than 5 months on the shelf to try the lawn over which she escaped the N1X condition around this time last year; she hasn't been a threat late since that day and there's not a lot to suggest the 2 time course winner will get back on track in this spot; siding with others.

A Prettydixie

Rallied to get within a couple of lengths of the winner at a big price when turned back last time; she's winless over the local sod and don't know that she's going to have the same late punch this time, but her kick could help get her into the bottom of exotics at what figures to be another solid price.

One Time Only

West coast shipper makes her local debut while dropping in to face statebreds for the first time; filly earned a career best number while sprinting down the tough hillside course at Santa Anita and though this is a completely different configuration, she has shown that she can handle the trip; expect she'll be tighter late with the recent routes under her belt and her Arlington drills select her early interest remains intact; new face won't offer a bargain at the windows but appears to be the one to beat.

Lumineuse

She's been off the board in each of her local sod tries while finishing well behind some of these in each of her last 2 over it; like the way she took to the wet track 2 back and maybe the weather cooperates for her and she gets this moved to the main track; if it stays on the green she does appear to be in tough, though.

Desert Bliss

Five year old has settled for a lot of minor awards but was right there just off today's rail runner at the wire when returning to this level last time; she poses a strong late kick when right and though there's not a lot of early foot in here she figures to again be rolling late; one to keep an eye on in the lane. - Steve Grabowski

Race 9

Compliance Officer

Saves ground then makes 1 run; hopes Spa City Fever gets involved in a speed duel with Mr Vegas to help set up the closers; cuts back to his shortest-distance test since winning a BEL-Widener turf optional claimer July, 2011, stalking the pace from 3rd; the 2-back winner repeated in an FG-Grade 3 stakes with a 95 Beyer speed figure; looms a logical contender for win honors.

Notacatbutallama

Today marks the shortest-distance test of his career; late runner needed 9F to win last-time on a sloppy-main track; getting up in time at 7F is a big concern; defeated Front as 3-year-old and that one gives him 5 pounds for this; figures to be flying late.

Spa City Fever

Is the one to catch here; 3 turf wins but has not raced on grass since May, 2011, when finishing 3rd in a BEL-Widener turf 1 Mile-100K stakes; December winner at 7F on dirt; in 11 of 12 his grass races he competed at longer than today's 7F distance; the 2-back winner and show finisher Beyered 95-92 in next-out BEL-200K stakes and optional-claiming wins; the one to catch and beat.

Barrel of Love

Was no match for similar in 2013; he's back from Florida where he was rock solid vs open company; flew home in September at 7F rallying too late on Widener turf and like Strong Impact and Compliance Officer hopes for a hotly-contested pace to rally into; defeated the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 81 in a next-out TAM-starter handicap win.

Mr. Vegas

Midwest invader projects to press the press of Spa City Fever; he hasn't made the lead since June, 2012, but clearly has enough gate speed to make the front here; the 2-back winner repeated in WO-Grade 2 stakes with a 101 Beyer; the 3-back runner-up finisher posted an 86 speed figure in his next-out FG-OPC win.

Moonlight Song

Main Track Only entry is 5-for-6 on wet tracks and is a 7F-SAR winner; 26%-winning fresh trainer adds to the appeal; he can win from on the lead off the pace and despite his awesome wet mark he posted a career-best 3-back on BEL fast when stakes placed; scary if in and ready.

Isn'tlovejustgrand

The win rider lands on Front for this noting that one easily handled him last fall; his last 7F race on Widener green is a win and scored off the bench smartly earning a career-best Beyer speed figure suggesting there may be a bounce returning in just 4 weeks for this; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-20K claimer with a 74 Beyer.

Front

Has been showing better tactical speed but cutting back in distance can't afford to break too far back to win; has never been better from a Beyer perspective; like Notacatbutallama has never raced this short of a distance during career; Notacatbutallama beat him when they matched up as 3-year-olds and today he gives that one 5 pounds as he races with his highest assignment ever.

Strong Impact

Massive-late run to score the stakes win at MTH 1st off the claim and the barn hits nicely at 25% with 1-7 day returnees; the 3-back winner repeated in a HOU-75K stakes with a 94 Beyer; his last BEL Widener turf start at 7F was a win; the pick.

Readthebyline

MTO exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when claimed off a gate-to-wire romp; will he get loose on an easy lead like last is the obvious concern; when he does make the front by his lonesome can be tough to pass; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 98 Beyer.

West Hills Giant

He's a stakes winner on BEL Widener at 7F and reunites with the win rider from that deep-closing score vs. straight 3-year-olds; the 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-100K stakes with a 94 Beyer;.wide draw so sure to lose ground; will be taking a wait and see approach. - Art Gropper

Race 10

Blue Chips Only

Bluegrass Cat 10 for 181 with first time turfers; sire won thrice at 2, took G1 Haskell, was 2nd in the Derby and Belmont, banked over $1.7 million, never turfed; 3 for 25 dam was turn only, banked about $140K; this is her first to race; must show more.

Ride a Cat

Returned was solid considering he hooked a clear winner; and the race came back okay as the 4th finisher beat $35K maiden claimers next out, 7th finisher graduated in a maiden $25K seller, 8th finisher took a MSW fray and 2 others ran 2nd, one beaten a neck; dam was 0 for 3; this is her first to race; don't ignore.

Bob and Jim

This is a tough sell; just too many chances and too many chances vs. softer foes; okay, he was hung wide, but he has not lost this many times because he has a heart of gold; not my kind of play.

Dulha

Cosmonaut 0 for 9 with debuters, 2 for 8 with first-time turfers; Grade 3 winning sire earned over $1.2 million on turf, lost only start at 2; 4 of dam's 5 wins came on grass as she banked nearly $130K; 5 siblings tried grass to no avail; could need experience.

Canarsie Kid

Toss last, he could not stand up on the sealed muddy strip; 2 for 27 dam won on grass once; this is her first to race; he got away with the super soft pace in the debut and still gave up the ghost; not good.

Sunbio

Maybe connections had this race in mind all the time; his best efforts have come sprinting and he could be more focused with the blinks this time; both siblings won just once but both on grass; rates upset glance.

Junger

Arguably the best race came on this course at this trip; at least one sibling earned over $100K; look for bug to send hard and hope for the best.

Spa City Treasure

Like this progression; he was close up in the debut, then came running in last; dam was 0 for 2; family on weak side, 2 sibs tried grass but failed on turf; may like it here.

Readyheartandsoul

Ready's Image one for 24 with first-time turfers; sire took debut at 2, won Grade 2 Sanford, earned over $300K, lost only turf try; 2 for 6 dam won on grass once; lone sibling took a dirt sprint, lost 3 times on grass; mirror race so far, must hurry.

Latigo Trail

Freud about 13% with first-time turfers in a 248-runner sample; Freud was 2nd a half in debut at 2 at The Curragh at 6 furlongs on a yielding course, graduated there at 3 at about a mile, was Group 2 placed; dam won 5 times, lost twice on grass; lone half bro took one sprint, never turfed; expect better effort today.

Alabaster City

City Zip about 14% with first-time grass runners in a 341-runner sample; sire earned over $725K sprinting, was third in best result on grass when beaten a length at a mile in the G2 Kelso; dam banked nearly $100K, was dirt only; all 4 siblings won including double turf winner Talmadge Hill; major player.

Mr Ciolko

Noonmark 3 for 24 with debuters, 1 for 11 with first-time turfers; Grade 3 winning sire won at 2, banked over $350K. never turfed; both of dam's wins came on turf; lone half sis took 7 sprints, never turfed; lean toward watching one.

Something's Coming

Fact it, he has yet to raise a gallop; there is at least turf success in the family; not sure how you spin this form in the right direction.

Leatherhead Lurie

See Mr Ciolko for sire stats; dam was unraced; 3 siblings tried grass to no avail; shades off, Lezcano on; place horse in last took a maiden $16K claimer next out and the winner repeated in a $16K N2L spot; not sold on chances.

Full Pads

Improved on grass and could be more on the muscle with the blinks; dam third in best result; one sibling earned over $160K, another sibling lost twice on grass; clever barn due for a bit of luck, check out the 7 slices. - Brian Mulligan