Belmont: Closer Looks for June 4, 2014

Race 1

Aliana

Draws the fence for the cut back to sprint while giving this level another shot; though she wasn't beaten much in either of her inner track sprint tries this season, she hasn't been the same filly who ran well in the maiden ranks back in the fall; pace up top may not be to her liking but the new pilot does well for this barn and the way this gal worked last week shows that she's on her toes for this shorter trip; contender.

Superior Sarah

Statebred has been stuck in this condition for more than 2 years; she owns some recent numbers that fit well in this spot and maybe with the regression behind her she's set to take a good step forward here; several of these have beaten her of late, though, and she hasn't shown up with that knockout punch in some time; prefer to limit her use to underneath in exotics.

Lady Liana

Filly tackles older for the initial time after again finishing off the board against winners; her lone competitive effort came when dropped in to face maiden claimers in Florida this winter and there's not a lot suggesting she'll get back on track in here; have to side with others.

Kara's Match Point

Cuts back a bit after running out of racetrack in a heat that didn't get off too smoothly for her; filly has hit the board in 4 straight at the level so she may be one to include in the minor slots of exotics, but given her lack of sprint lick she could find herself with a lot to do late in here.

Momentary Magic

Four year old hasn't been sighted since Saratoga where she ran her race before the gates even opened and subsequently backed out of it when the real running began; she broke her maiden fresh with a career best number before being fed to the wolves here last Memorial Day and her last Palm Meadows move for this says she's returned ready to run; consider.

Jonata

Barn moves them up second back from the break and this gal was beaten just a couple of lengths for the place when in against one of these last time; filly is another without a lot of early lick and she's been in this condition for a while as well, but with a move forward off her last she could find herself right in the thick of this heat.-Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Chang's Secret

This gelding sports some of the stronger turf form in here and he might be ready to give a good account of himself while dropping in class and stretching out in distance for his second start back from a layoff; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 5/29 going 6f over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 71 Beyer.

The Mooche

He's clearly one of the more interesting options to consider in this race as he gets ready to make his first start as a 3-year-old, and he shows up for a barn that has shown the ability to have one ready to fire off of a long layoff like this; Velazquez has won with 2 of 3 mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

Perfect Dancing

Not wild about Utopia as a turf sire, but this gelding is out of a dam who won 3 of 25 turf starts for 105k, and he produced an improved performance in his turf debut in his latest outing; nevertheless, others entice more.

Shipwrecked

He's the only one in here who knows what it feels like to hit the finish first and note that he was compromised by a poor start in his turf debut in his latest outing; note the success that this barn has had with starters in the maiden claiming ranks.

Bambisfrostyracer

This colt took a step in the right direction at second asking and this wouldn't be a bad spot for him to make his first start beyond 6 1/2f; if this race has to be taken off the turf, he'll have to be viewed in the light of a contender; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 5/7 going 6f vs. 40k MCL's with a 66 Beyer.

Sir Maurice

He showed a little something sprinting over this turf course the first time he raced over turf, and see nothing wrong with giving him another chance to see what he can do racing on grass; at the very least, he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics.

Baskets

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won 2 of 12 starts for 15k, including 1 of 2 turf starts for 6k; this gelding is a 1/2 to G3 winner Hey Leroy (6-25, 282k, including 5 of 11 turf starts for 242k); winner from latest won next out at Bel on 5/17 going 6 1/2f vs. N1X alw. rivals with a 77 Beyer.

The Frood Dude

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and stakes placed dam won 5 of 31 starts for 139k, including 4 of 21 turf starts for 104k; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 4/19 going 1 1/16m over turf vs. MSW rivals with a 70 Beyer; Franco gets his share of live calls from this barn.

Electric Currency

It might be worth noting the presence of C.V. aboard another in here, but this gelding ran pretty well from off the pace in his career debut, and not going to be too hard on him for what he showed at second asking while trying turf for the first time.

Giant Jo

Half-brother to stakes winner My Jopia (4-15, 199k, including 3 of 8 turf starts for 156k) and JL Bernstein (2-12, 73k over turf) showed enough in his first two career starts over turf as a 2-year-old give him the look of a serious player while getting back over turf for this; runner up from latest won next out at Aqu on 1/18 going 1m vs. MSW rivals with a 69 Beyer.-Brian Pochman

Race 3

The Admiral

One of 2 runners in the field coming out of the high-quality G3 Bay Shore, this colt has rapidly matured since the re-introduction of blinkers; can be ideally set-up here if the outside pair today engage in an immediate pace battle; properly timed moved by the rider makes this colt very tough.

Meadowood

Perfect thus far but he lands into an exceptionally strong overnight stakes today; breeze pattern during the last month is only modest and it will may difficult handling this major class escalation; cannot endorse for the top spot despite the flawless record..

Eye Luv Lulu

Drew away nicely for the score a month ago but came home in average time; his stalking style does fit the race but it seems a certainty he will be forced to rally from much further back here (if all runners go) because of the pace nature of the field; latest training track breeze was respectable; note his debut race was against top-notch statebred Samraat.

Havana

Won the Champagne Stakes last autumn in game fashion and was impressive in defeat in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile when caught in the final yards; talented grey spots the recency edge to the field yet has shown enough ability over 3 different racetracks to overcome; obvious true contender under Hall of Fame rider.

Favorite Tale

Doubly compromised last month when trying seven furlongs for the first time and getting involved in a pace war right out of the gate; unfortunately, he now draws right inside Pure Sensation who might put him to the test in opening strides; excellent a.m. move at his Philly headquarters on 4/19 should help his cause.

Pure Sensation

He broke maiden over the course in style last season and reeled off a pair of solid efforts thereafter over different types of footing; riding strategy here is extremely important as he must avoid slugging it out with Favorite Tale; may use that one as a target pacesetter and stalk from close range; shows a nice breeze pattern over the deep Payson strip.-Jim Kachulis

Race 4

Rontos New York

The 28-point 2nd-time out Beyer speed figure improvement 1st time on turf is noted; shown zero-gate speed in both losses so should appreciate the additional 2.5F for this; picks up a hot-BEL rider who wins 28% for the trainer overall since 2013; saves ground then makes one run.

East Bay Lodge

Blinkers on is a 1-for-10 move for his trainer since 2013; makes the equipment change after his Beyer regressed 2nd-time out when most runners move forward after a race experience; sheds weight to his lowest assignment ever for a 1-for-11 long-layoff trainer since 2013.

All Over Me

Likes to be forwardly placed and wouldn't mind racing on the lead here; the runner-up and 11th-place finishers from last Beyered 71-60 in next-out BEL-MSW and 40K-maiden-claiming wins; beat the 2-back show finisher on dirt who graduated next out in an AQU-16K-maiden claimer with a 50 speed figure.

Mineral Water

Not very consistent but has tossed in some good dirt races during career; was badly outrun in his grass debut in a key race; the runner-up and 11th-place finishers from last Beyered 71-60 in next-out BEL-MSW and 40K-maiden-claiming wins.

Born in Brooklyn

Off the bench after his grass debut was a Z-pattern attempt where he raced close early, dropped back, then re-rallied; the trainer wins 10% with long-layoff runners; the show finisher from last Beyered 86 in a next-out BEL-MSW win.

King Gettigan

Main Track Only entry exits a best-last-race Beyer when rallying well at shorter; sire was a G2-dirt router; is out of an 0-for-1 dam who finished 9th in her only start at 5.5F on dirt; improved nicely since the claim with troubled trips in both starts for the newest barn; scary if in.

Ride of Your Life

Like with several others here he will add blinkers for the 1st time which is an 8%-winning angle for his trainer; when last seen it was his grass debut where he was eased when defeated by Born in Brooklyn; solid-fresh trainer goes to a 25%-win rider seeking answers in his 1st-ever maiden claimer.

King Dix C

The winner and 4th-place finishers from last Beyered 72-60 in next-out GP-$12,500-claiming and 25K-maiden-claiming wins; wish he showed more in Florida exiting his 1st race with binkers on; gets a barn change and 1st time facing New York breds seeking answers.

Golden Nugget

Gets back on grass after making his September career debut on the green; exits a mud zero Beyer effort and has shown zero run in New York after being up-and-down but picking up 2 dirt exactas in Florida; the December winner repeated in an optional claimer with a 69 speed figure.

Wake Up and Go

His 2-back near-miss finish on GP grass represents a field-best Beyer speed figure defeating the show finisher who Beyered 74 in a next-out GP-$12,500-maiden-claiming win; local debut was way off his best game and now adds blinkers an 0-for-7 move from the trainer since 2013; there is obviously some talent here and would be dangerous on best day.-Art Gropper

Race 6

Horvat Clan

He earned his career-best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest in a key race that produced four next-out winners; the bad news is it came last summer at Saratoga; the good news is he was claimed out of the race and the past five years his new trainer has a 19 percent strike rate with horses going long that were coming back from a layoff of 180 days or more; interesting.

Le Deluge

He raced a bit erratically in the stretch while finishing third as the chalk in his latest at this level and it's been a while since he won a race; his last win was in 2012 in a 2-mile race over a synthetic surface at Presque Isle and his only win on turf came going a mile and a half so he might want more distance; hard to love him on top but he should be part of any exotics ticket.

Precious Metal

Horse that won his latest came back to win a $16K starter race with a 90 Beyer Speed Figure at Parx May 26; he looked good winning the race La Deluxe exits and we are happy to toss his race on the main track that was washed off the lawn May 8; he also has a solid record over the turf here but none of his wins came on the inner course; nonetheless, he looks like a major player.

Summit County

4-year-old dropped to this level in his latest and he did show more early interest while tracking a slow pace but faded to finish eighth in the Precious Metal race; he really hasn't been a serious factor since he won a $50K claiming race for 3-year-olds at Churchill over a year ago so we're going to look elsewhere.

Sleepless Knight

8-year-old had a perfect stalking trip when he won at this level in his first start after getting claimed by Contessa and he should get a similar trip here; plenty of back class with more than one narrow loss in Grade 3's and on a couple of occasions he's won races back-to-back; no wins at the distance but he earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure when he lost by a half length in the Grade 3, 1 1/8 miles Knickerbocker on this course; the pick.

Matt and Jesse

Main track only tailed off following his sharp win in a $50K starter race April 2 but he rebounded with a better effort in a $20K claimer in his latest and could be coming around again; his lone win at the distance came running over a sloppy track at Saratoga; looks like a contender if he gets to run.

Exporter

He ran an improved race in his latest so he could be coming around after being a pretty dull horse this year and the last time he won it came over this course; he's also versatile and Franco should be able to ease him into a stalking position if Wayward Sailor is sent hard out of the gate; consider for the exotics.

Wayward Sailor

He was 35-1 in the same race Precious Metal exits and after setting the pace he wasn't much of a factor when it mattered; his last win came in Boston and the only time he won on this circuit was going a mile and a half over the inner track at Aqueduct; looking in other directions.-Randy Goulding

Race 8

Tiznowforamerica

Good news is off his maiden win at SAR Sept. 2 they thought enough of him to toss him into the G1 Breeders' Futurity at KEE and the in the G2 Nashua at AQU Nov. 3; bad news is he was no factor whatsoever in the lane in those 2 outings, beaten 96 1/4 lengths and 51 1/2 lengths, and he hasn't been seen since; at least working nicely and it's good to see Albertrani bring him back in a spot where he can't lose him via another claim; still, he hit the brakes so hard in those 2 races and then has been gone so long since it makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Risk Management

Smart win over $25K N3L claimers at AQU April 24; that earned him a shot at this level here May 15 and after prompting the pace he gave way to finish 7th (last); today's foe Real Estate Rich ran 2nd so he's got to make up some ground there; at least has 2 wins over winner but both came vs. restricted claimers - the water is deeper today but it's encouraging Sciacca feels good enough about him to keep him at this level and not risk losing him for a tag.

Sense of Peace

Got beat a city block (42 1/4 lengths) on turf for just $20K here last July 6 and then wasn't seen for over 10 months so you had to be worried; well, some of those fears were shoved aside as he came back vs. $25K N2L claimers here May 18 and led them on a merry chase to win; that's an awfully nice way to come back; that was also his 3rd big run off a layoff so he's big fresh; well, there's no layoff today and he's up in class but not only was it nice to see the way he won last time but it's most encouraging Kimmel moves him into a spot where he can't lose him via another claim.

Real Estate Rich

Continues his good form with 5 straight top-3 finishes includign 2 wins; 3rd, 3rd and 2nd last month all on this track at this level so he fits; been coming from off the pace of late but note some speed shown in the winter so he's by no means just some one-trick pony; last time he and C. Velasquez teamed up they ended up posing for pictures.

Rock Fall

Didn't just whip maidens here May 11 he blasted them, romping home by 9 1/4 legnths; didn't just win easily either but he also posted a big, big Beyer (101), a fig which towers over his foes here; that being said, he only posted a 43 in his debut at GPApril 12 so which one if the true bill?; well odds are it's somewhere in between but he sure looked like a new horse May 11 and he cost a pretty penny ($250K) so you know there are some expectations here, and maybe that win was the start of him showing why.

American Progress

Game maiden win when last seen; trouble is, 'when last seen' was Jan. 27 so there's a decent layoff to worry about today; that also came over maidens and 3yos - today he faces winners and a few elders, not insignificant hurdles; at least worked well of late but with a top Beyer of 65 he's got some work to do if Rock Fall repeat his May 11 Beyer (101).-Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Saythreehailmary's

Ran into the traffic jam in the debut but looked good graduating; the 2nd and 4th finishers in the debut graduated next out; youngster has a right to have a nice career as kin to stakes winner and over $250K earner Afleet Alexandra; note show horse in last was over 3 clear; top last-race Beyer in the pocket; respect.

Maxana

Miss brings back a lot of checks; she needs help up front but there are several in here with designs on the lead; Castellano got a chance to figure her out and note he was 5 clear as some may not have handled the going last time; wraps added last time, must be left in the exotic conversation at least.

Take the Zeppole

Steadied when on the wrong surface last time; sire was a proven router, dam took one turf sprint, this is her first to roll; she has much more speed than she just showed and she will at least muddle the pace; a lonely lead would enhance her chances.

My Golden Girl

This seems like an ambitious spot; she was beaten double digits in the other allowance effort last year but she did hook a freak in last; pace figures to be quicker here and not thrilled with the company she has been keeping; would tread lightly here.

Let Me Be Nuts

First-time blinks worked to perfection but two regressions since; drills are steady for this as new bug hired today; would lean toward watching a return effort.

Thatza Wrap

Nice bit of training to have him set off the layoff and on a new surface; the 7th finisher in last took a MSW and the 8th finisher beat $20K maiden claimers next out; like the series of drills since the win; don't sell too short.

Jcs American Dream

Hung wide in last pair and she did bobble in the first effort vs. winners; rider has had success for this barn and this miss may have just hated the grass of late; backers have to hope they go bonkers early and the race falls completely apart.

Rumble Doll

Turned the investment to success off the claim and was getting to the winner in last; would not be shocked if she show more speed on the stretch out and also with the shades; must prove she can go this far but full sister Bossy Babe did win routing; rates upset glance.

Swift Taylor

Has gotten some R and R upstate since providing value in the gimmick last time; dead last when beaten 15 in the other allowance effort; the hotter the pace the better for this racer.

Heidi's Holiday

Came back in a month after leaving Ribaudo barn; wraps tried last time to no avail so attempt to get a glance at her on the track; there is a sibling that won one route in the tree; needs a total reversal of fortune.

Accomplish First

Filly perked up once she got away from MSW foes; the graduation party came back live and note the place horse was well clear; she has natural speed and she showed she can track and win last time; the blood is there to get the trip as kin Celebrating Sarah won routing 5 times; interesting.-Brian Mulligan