Belmont: Closer Looks for June 15, 2014

Race 1

Spun Silky

This is a competitive looking turf dash but this stakes placed miss belongs in the contenders discussion, and it's the rare day when she fails to give a solid account of herself; it doesn't hurt to see that she's run well in both of her starts over the Belmont Park turf.

Bella Castani

She earned a stakes win racing over this turf course as a 3-year-old and she's consistently performed at a level that is strong enough to suggest that she can have a say in the outcome against these; however, today's six-furlong distance might be a bit shorter than what she's looking for.

Quay

She's been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her two most recent races, but she might be able to make some noise in this spot if she can find her way back to one of her sharper starts; late running type is vulnerable to a slow early pace, but she isn't out of the question.

Zero Game (IRE)

Her form since arriving in America has been solid, but she's another in here who might prefer more ground to work with than today's six-furlong assignment offers; like to see her getting a rider switch to Lezcano, but others entice more.

Mama Zee

She's been in good form lately, and if this race has to be moved to the main track, she'll have the look of a serious gate-to-finish threat; it's a mild concern that she might ot be at her best racing over this surface, but she's tough to ignore.

Alpaca Fina

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his tuf starters and G2 winning dam won 5 of 23 starts for 323k, including 0-for-4 over turf; multiple stakes placed filly is a full to Big Brown Brookski (3-12, 103k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 42k); Velasquez has won with 7 of 23 (30%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

My Place

Her first two career starts were encouraging performances, but since that time, she's struggled to do anything more than show some early interest; not going to be totally shocked if she gets things turned around, but others entice more.

Aquinnah

She's the only one in here with nine wins next to her name and she appears to be going better than ever entering this event; she commands her share of respect while getting over the Belmont Park turf course for the first time.

Good So Far

When looking at what she did in a couple of starts at today's distance racing in France, she might be looking forward ot turning back in distance for this, and Rosario has won with 7 of 19 (37%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting; must consider. - Brian Pochman

Race 2

No Nukes

Projects to be in early contention with Bambisfrostyracer then hopes to hang on late; 18th attempt and his best Beyer speed figure was his last start on a wet track hoping for the same for this; the 3-back runner-up finisher graduated next out in an AQU-16K claimer with a 56 Beyer.

Bambisfrostyracer

Projects as the one to catch; the runner-up from last Beyered 66 in a next-out BEL-40K-maiden-claiming win; has not raced past 6.5F yet; Grade 1-stakes-winning sire earned 275K (2-for-4) in dirt routes; is the 1st foal to race out of a 3-0-0-1 dirt-route dam who won her career debut at 5F.

King Gettigan

Massive-form improvement since claimed in March exiting a field-best Beyer speed figure when screaming out for more distance and he will be getting it here today; has not raced past 7F yet; G2-SW sire earned 397K in dirt routes (3-for-6); 0-for-1 dam raced at 5.5F finishing 9th; 2 foals to race in routes are 0-for-8 combined; contender.

Pepi's Find

Wanted no parts of going long on turf while stretching back out for this after receiving a wakeup call 1st dirt and racing in a maiden claimer; the debut show finisher Beyered 70 in a next-out BEL-MSW win; latest style which was his 3-year-old debut and just 3rd start of career suggests the added yardage will be a plus for this; the pick.

Do It for Dennis

The runner-up and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 69-62 in next-out AQU-25K-16K-maiden-claiming wins; the trainer is 0-for since 2013 going 1st blinkers and with similar-layoff runners; offered brief speed in some of his defeats; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Sir Maurice

Turf-to-dirt is an 0-for-3 move from the trainer since 2013; beat Bambisfrostyracer 3-back chasing the runner-up who graduated next out with a 66 Beyer; 2 of his exactas were in routes races so today's distance fits him well; weight break here with 10 pounds off; the one to beat,

Butkennyrun

Debut was not very enticing at 87-1 odds trailing throughout; picks up weight losing the apprentice to Do It for Dennis; the pre-race workouts did not give the impression he was a superstar however some runners improve dramatically 2nd-time out.

Lake Effect

Has not raced past 6.5F yet; G1 sprint sire went 4-0-1-1 (103K) in routes; is the 1st foal out of an unraced dam; has more than 6 lengths to make up on Pepi's Find exiting a career-low Beyer; the debut winner repeated in a BEL allowance with a 77 Beyer. - Art Gropper

Race 3

Cherubim

California invader was a victim of fierce early fractions in the last run at 2 to 5; unfortunately, draws right inside today of another pure speed and the pair must avoid a prolonged pace battle; obvious danger if getting the jump on River Rocks.

River Rocks

Brave in defeat in his 2013 finale and he has trained in superb fashion during the last few weeks for this return; reverts to the handling of Saez who was aboard for that deceptive effort 2 back when this colt might have been compromised by rail position; respect.

Rich 'n' Tuck

Just graduated a month ago but could be the one to inherit the victory this afternoon if the inside pair cancel each other; has progressed nicely since beginning his career at this oval and now picks up the services of Rosario who is riding in top form; could be the right value play in one of the more loaded 1x allowance races of the meet.

Mr. Viber

Failed to fire twice after breaking his maiden last summer but the new connections must be considered in your assessment; steady intervals to the workout regimen but the gelding will have to ascend many levels in order to run down the high-octane inside pacesetters.

Define

Might have moved too early into contention in the last try and he can be a factor this afternoon if reserved enough off the expected hot pace; earned his best Beyer by far when negotiating a sloppy track and may need that type of footing to run these down.

Cast a Doubt

Sports a decent first gear but he might be better off lurking right outside the expected pace war today; reverts to winning rider Ortiz and turned in a fair training track breeze 13 days ago; should offer a better price than in recent ventures and has scored under the 124 pound impost before.

Reserved Quality

Although he has a blank slate at this oval, all of those defeats were prior to the claim in January; he turned in a pair of strikingly similar placings at Monmouth and is at the top of his game right now; one of two runners in the field trained by Jacobson who can pull off the upset if the pace is appropriate. - Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Image of Noon

Goes from the outside draw to the fence after just missing in her first start of the year at this level; gray broke poorly in that one and was able to overcome it, but if she suffers a similar fate from this draw she may not be able to recover; barn is on a poor run at the stand but they've done ok of late with runners going second back from the break and the number she earned last time looks pretty good in here; consider.

Mighty Reward

Didn't threaten the top 2 in the off the turfer but should be tighter with her first start of the year behind her; mare beat cheaper over the course un the fall but she's yet to prove she's much of a fit at the level; have to side with others on the win end today.

Fantastic Eyes

Late runner was beaten chalk against open conditioned claimers over the course when last sighted in the fall; barn boasts some recent luck with runners coming off this type of break and a top pilot will get aboard for the comebacker; there looks to be a little bit of lick in here and maybe that sets things up for her kick and helps her get in the mix for a minor share.

Ideal Place

First part of the coupling does her running from out of it early and will make her return from nearly 8 months on the shelf here; her effort 2 back at the level would put her in the thick of this, but the trouble she got into last time showed the perils an off the pace type can face in a big field; barn does a nice job getting them ready first time back from the break.

White Crane

Other half of the barn's entry add shades for another shot at the level after getting beaten less than 2 lengths by one of the gals she'll face again today; expect she'll show some early interest and she's run pretty well several time as the level; contender.

Coriander

Cuts back to sprint following a weak route try at the level in her first start of the year; mare was ok sprinting over the course last year and she should be better with her return try behind her but a minor award may prove to be her ceiling.

My Four Rewards

Fresh filly makes her first start of the year with a steady tab of drills on her page; she hasn't done much since being claimed by this outfit last summer and there's not a lot to suggest the move back to the green at this level is going to help her much; can't back her today.

Summerdale

Absentee looked pretty good breaking her maiden first out from up top here late last summer but she hasn't been able to carry her lick too far since; she did run into a subsequent SW when last sighted over the inner but the effort was so poor it sent her right to the bench; barn does ok with this type and she did work well last weekend; speed should have her involved from the outset and the price figures to be right.

Silver Silence

She's yet another returnee making her first start of the season in this spot; gray packs a decent kick when right, but she's not a very consistent sort and though she's run well at it, she doesn't have a lot of experience at this short trip; barn is winless from limited starters on the year; she'd appreciate some pace help but will probably just be better next time.

Saucon Valley

Her connections paid 155K for her in training last year which was more than 6 times her sire's stud fee and it took a while to get her to the races, but she found a field she liked and took them all the way, kicking away from pace foes while doing it; she'll try both winners and the green for the initial time and the barn excels with runners moving to the infield; sire gets 14% winners from his initial turf starters and this gal is the first foal to race out of a limited sprint winning dam who was 0 for 1 on the green; certainly worth a look on the new surface.

Daddy's Lil Saint

Faded when sent long in her turf debut this spring but she was in a solid tracking spot early in that one and maybe she has more to offer while returning to a sprint trip; filly did break her maiden from off the pace first time out in early fall and she will get a switch to a top pilot for this; she's kin to 2 time SW sprinter and 351K earner Clear Pasaj who was off the board in both of her turf starts.

Chloe Bear

Showed little in her last 2 starts on the green and now she'll move back in with statebreds; filly has yet to even hit the board over the local sod and today doesn't appear to be the day this longshot does anything to change that; passing. - Steve Grabowski

Race 7

Familyofroses

Can't be thrilled about the turf slate; shades on, but they were off for both of the wins; she goes outside to the inside and she did close into the pedestrian pace two back; a slice may be the best she can strive for today.

Unbelievable Dream

The back class is there, but she was hung wide in the Sands Point and has not looked great since; disrespected on the tote last time and the fans were right on the money; best of 8 bullet in the holster, the hotter the pace the better for her today.

Jitney

Hung wide in last but she did snap a long losing streak; she was fully extended and we really don't know how much it may have taken out of her; she is relatively fresh, but not sure if there is enough speed in here to help the cause.

Frosty Bay

Wonder if that yielding couse win last August just knocked the starch out of her?; she had to take time off and has not been all that sharp since; she figures to appreciate the non stakes foes and she has won a stakes on this course; interesting.

Stock Fund

Three of her races against winners have been solid; she was on dirt in the poor start so toss it; miss posted the rare win in last and she has not earned 16 slices because she has a heart of gold; would be careful before jumping on too short a number.

Miss Da Point

Two excuse last time; the company and she was pinballed from both sides; could see her sitting a nice stalk and rally trip if the race comes off the grass; capable barn due to get rolling; don't ignore.

Vicki's Dancer

Mare was coming hard in the fine comeback last time; and the race came back live as the 4th finisher took an N1X next out, 8th finisher beat $40K N2L foes and the winner repeated in a $125K stakes;

Dreaming of Cara

Only one for 19 on grass; she was inching toward the winner in last but now is cutting back and could be left with a lot of work to do late; still, could easily be enticed into using in the gimmicks.

Ave's Halo

No kick in open company last time; mare caught fast splits last time and just could not keep up; pace should be more moderate this time; mare has the two races to draw from and note rider is 28% for Rice in the last year.

Double the Energy

Proven on the course, she wanted no part of the miler in last; like fact she has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to succeed; drills are steady and nothing wrong with the second best of 23 spin on the 2nd; miss looks very well intentioned. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Caroline Thomas

Nicely bred miss is a Grade 2 winner via disqualification, and even though she finds herself in a very tough 80k OPC, like the idea of her dropping out of the graded stakes ranks; feel that she's more than capable of producing a performance that is strong enough to make her a threat for the top spot.

Antonia Autumn

She really hasn't run a bad race to date and this mare is a 1/2 to multiple G1 winner Gio Ponti (12-29, $6.1 million, including 11 of 24 North American turf starts for $4.4 million); however, it's probably going to take her best performance to date to come out on top against these.

Praia

She nearly equaled a career best Beyer Speed Figure in a winning performance in her latest start, but looking at this as being a tough field for her to be meeting up with, and her one start over this turf course prior to this wasn't one of her better efforts.

Mariel N Kathy

In a race where it looks like the early pace will be slow developing, this stakes winning filly might find herself on a clear and uncontested early lead, and like to see what she's doen form eight starts over this turf course; however, even under ideal circumstances she might have a tough time holding off the top contenders through the lane.

Street of Gold

Stone-cold closer has been beaten by a couple of today's rivals in her two most recent races and this stakes placed miss will have to be ready for an improved run to get the better of this bunch in her for start over this turf course.

Gathering

She's G3 stakes placed racing overseas, and two of her five starts since arriving in America have been sharp winning performances; if she's ready to bring her 'A' game to the table, she'll be tough to deal with.

Levanto (IRE)

One of two signed on in here for the Clement barn and this filly has her share of intrigue while making her first start in America with the addition of Lasix; Alvarado is a strong turf rider and it looks like this filly did some decent work from nine starts racing in Ireland.

Clearbrook

Late running filly has plenty of turf in her pedigree and she was last seen earning a G3 stakes placing over the Gulfstream Park turf course; she's very interesting when considering what she's done in her four starts over the GP turf course this year and that this turf course is more conducive to her late running style.

Modernstone (GB)

They thought enough of her to try her in a Grade 2 for her first start in America, and viewing it as a positive indicator that Rosario gets the call for this; Rosario has won with 6 of 16 (38%) mounts for this barn at the current stand; note that blinkers are back on for this. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Justoneofakind

Sire is 73-for-542 with 1st-turf starters; 89-for-712 with debut runners; is out of an unraced dam who produced 2 winners from 2 other foals to race including 2nd-time out winner Riverboat Queen who won 2-of-8 on grass (74K); 9%-debut trainer with steady workouts on dirt for this.

Forensic

Projects as part of the pace today; definitely helps that she gets back on the green and needed last off the 58-day absence; keeps Johnny V which is another positive; to win this would have to upend Miz Lee from when they matched up at GP.

Miz Lee

51 days since the beaten-betting favorite; defeated Forensic in Florida but was outfinished in last; getting today's Mile distance is a concern off latest career-low Beyer; new rider means an 8-pound weight break; needs a well-timed journey to make amends.

Academyperformance

Dueled into defeat at longer; projects to stalk the pace at 2F shorter today; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 75 in a next-out BEL-MSW win; the debut winner and show finisher posted 69-57 speed figures in next-out PIM-optional-claiming and MTH-MSW wins.

Coronette

The barn is capable with long-layoff runners and names a high-percentage jockey-trainer combo; odds-on loss at DEL with no real excuses; her best Beyer was in her debut so hopes all the time off brings her back to the top of her game; the debut runner-up and show finisher Beyered 78-70 in next-out KEE-Grade 3 stakes and BEL-MSW wins.

Wickedness

The runner-up and show finishers from last Beyered 78-73 in next-out MTH-BEL-MSW wins; projects as part of the pace today; did not look like she wanted any parts of 1 Mile in latest but stays going long while adding 7 pounds while the apprentice from latest goes to Sylvia T.

Sylvia T

The grass debut is a career-best Beyer with a style suggesting today's Mile distance will be a perfect fit; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 65-55 in next-out starter alw. and 35K-maiden-claiming wins; had been knocking on the door on dirt and seems set for a big effort 2nd time off-the-bench.

It's Macaroni

Sire is 48-for-341 with 1st-turf starters; 1st foal from a 1-for-14 dam (46K) who won 1-of-10 on grass (32K); ran to the 30-1 debut odds on dirt with time off for the green debut; the barn is sharp with 2nd-time maiden winners and fresh winners but yield just 10% winners 1st turf.

Divine Rule

Sire is 27-for-276 with 1st-turf starters; 44-for-391 with debut runners; is out of a 1-for-6 dam (37K) who went 1-0-0-0 on grass producing 4 winners from 4 other foals to race; 2 foals to race on turf are grass winners including 758K-G1 Hungry Island (6-for-22 on turf).

Snowbell

Sire is 30-for-328 with 1st-turf starters; Grade 2-stakes-winning dam (4-for-5, 170K) did not race on grass; one foal ran on North American turf (0-fo-1 Stratify); the winner, runner-up and 12th-place finishers from last Beyered 78-70-53 in next-out AQU-MSW and KEE-50K-maiden-claiming wins.

J. Quirk

Has been unable to run back to her SAR dirt debut while in her grass debut she was a non factor after being bumped at the start then was outrun throughout; rider of local debut sides with Coronette for this; others appeal more

Crown Queen

Long layoff and 1st-time for the rider who wins 31% for the trainer at BEL since 2013; scary if ready; faced some nice ones; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 70 in a next-out BEL-MSW win the debut runner-up graduated next out in a BEL-MSW with a 78 speed figure.

Killington

Did not fire her best in her 1st start off more than a 1-year layoff noting the 2-back Beyer speed figure is a field-best number when edged by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 83-74 in 2 next-out wins including the Grade 2 Va, Oaks; deep closer was likely used too much in the early stages of last; seems set to fire a big race 2nd time off-the-bench.

Jolene

Sire is 43-for-451 with 1st-turf starters; dam won 5-of-20 on the grass (364K); 1 of 3 foals to race on turf is a green winner (1-for-6 La Billos 26K); promising debut when bet to even money then rallied like she wanted today's distance.

Rapid Repair

Main Track Only entry exits a best-last-race Beyer speed figure when leading most of the way; projects as a maor part of the pace today; cutting back to 1 Mile is a plus and has versatility as we saw her rally in the debut; figures to be a tough one to pass in her 2nd start off the 108-day layoff.

Magnolia Lane

MTO exits a career-best Beyer on turf and her lone dirt start was the debut off-the-board finish; the winner of her unveiling repeated in a TAM-59K stakes with an 80 speed figure; nosed by the 3-back show finisher who graduated next out in a GP-MSW race with a 74 Beyer. - Art Gropper