Belmont: Closer Looks for June 7, 2014

Race 1

Away Game

Draws the fence in this near 100K entry level allowance heat after showing he wanted no part of the lawn when sent 10 panels over the local course last month; after doing all of his routing at 2 turns this winter he'll try one turn today and his lack of early lick could leave him with a lot to do to threaten for the top spot; limiting his use to underneath in exotics.

Bernardo

Statebred tries open allowance runners while returning in a week for a barn that boasts recent luck with its quick returnees; colt was in over his head last time and found himself in a wide spot from the outside draw, but he's positioned much better today and the number he earned 2 back stands out in this heat; 2 time local winner will concede some weight to most of these but he looks to be in a nice spot to get back on track; one to beat.

Spartiatis

Cuts back in distance while switching surfaces odd a weak turf try in his local return; gelding is trained by an outfit that doesn't start many anymore but they do pick their spots well; he handles the dirt well and his lone one turn route try wasn't bad, but he'll need to step things up some to get in the mix here.

Lieutenant Seany O

Runner up in his last 2 gives this trip and level another shot after tracking the tepid clip here last out; gelding did beat cheaper over the track early last month in his first start for the barn and is one of just a few multiple winners in here; may be better going shorter, but is worth a look today.

Cap the Moment

Made a late run at a slightly shorter trip to get third money at the level last month and now this 7 year old will get a little extra real estate to deal with; it has ben a while since he's won and he is winless over the local main track; he owns numbers that fit and is often a big price, but this plodding type is tough to get excited about for anything other than minor exotics use.

Catholic Cowboy

Last out runner up at the level earned a number in that one that puts him right in the thick of this heat; he did enter that one fresh and has a right to take a step back with the big effort behind him, but he returned to work well and getting off the fence should be to his benefit today; contender for an outfit that is going well here.

Forever Thing

Makes his first start as a 4 year old for a barn that excels with its layoff runners and he'll reunite with the pilot aboard for his maiden score; get second money despite trouble behind a pretty decent sophomore of last season when last sighted in Monmouth's Long Branch and he does boast a pretty regular work pattern for the comebacker; million dollar baby buy could prove rather tough if he's fully cranked today.

Wabbajack

Didn't have enough to go on late while making his first start of the year at the level in Florida this winter and was given another 4 month break off that one; gelding broke his maiden locally at this trip last year in his first start back from a similar layoff and he's certainly been working like he's liking the taste of the local water; can't be overlooked.

Jimmy Connors

Hood goes on this outside drawn sophomore who will tackle older foes for the initial time here; he's got plenty of early foot and the new equipment will likely help him assume command of this one from the bell; though it came in stakes company, his lone route try wasn't very much and the top half of his pedigree suggests he may be better at shorter trips, but they may have to come and get him to win.- Steve Grabowski

Race 2

Life in Shambles

Brave in defeat last out at Pimlico, he has the advantage of being victorious previously at a one-turn route; recent local work tab is steady and he should be within striking range if breaking alertly from the fence; should be a square price despite the ultra-consistent main track record.

Souper Lucky

Rested since destroying a maiden field in April and pay particular attention to his 2 prior attempts over the Belmont soil (each one involving serious trouble); will be generous odds for a change and has really progressed this year with the introduction of blinkers; note the fair, but light, breeze pattern in May.

Effinex

One-run type may not have cared for the wet-fast conditions here last month when rallying for a minor award; may receive a more accelerated early pace this afternoon and that would be to his benefit; still might have too much work to do considering the quality of the pacesetting crew.

Kid Cruz

No match for California Chrome in the Preakness but flashed very fine late kick in both victories prior to that (the last one overcoming very slow fractions); he graduated at the one-turn mile and the son of Lemon Drop Kid drilled an endurance-building six furlongs recently; should be a late presence if able to find a clear rallying seam.

Misconnect

Lightly-raced but that perfect exacta record speaks for itself; tries a route for the first time but his proven stalking style fits the race and he reverts to Castellano who continues his hot hand; the grey will not be the favorite today but still warrants respect from top barn.

No Surrender

Controlled the issue throughout in his last assignment and held on with determination; was actually more impressive in the maiden breaker at Hawthorne when sweeping by the field and drawing clear over a dull racing surface; draws a comfortable middle slot and should be on or near the lead without much stress.

Legend

Powerhouse number earned in his Belmont debut of a month ago; draws right outside one of the probable pacesetters and that can give him a tactical advantage now; rapid ascent up the Beyer points him out as one of the true contenders as does the latest half-mile breeze over the deep Saratoga training track; very dangerous.

Pass the Coffee

On the shelf since a respectable showing behind Life in Shambles where he did not level off until the final stages; cross-reference his latest workout, however, with the previous runner; may be able to cut into the margin now if there is a quicker half-mile fraction; otherwise, he may have to settle for minor spoils once again.

Howl

Hard to middle move into moderate fractions while on a wide path and that was the summation of his last effort (at the course and distance); has learned much since the claim in mid-April and should offer decent betting value from this clear outside slot; can round out healthy exotic payoff. - Jim Kachulis

Race 3

Eriugena (IRE)

Four of his 5 wins came after switching barns; the FG finale came back live as the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 10th finishers in the 3/29 race won next out; 2/28 winner took an N1X next out and then beat $62.5K optional foes; the way he extended in last suggests he'll take to the distance and his sire won numberous Group 1s at this distance on grass; he got his last furlong in :12.90 last time; interesting.

Ground Transport

Best when sent along but he doesn't need the lead to win; 2/22 place horse has won 3 in a row since including a pair of Grade 3s; game as ever in the local debut but now he had to go farther and could be challenged more intently for the lead early; Chicago drills solid since, far too sharp not to take seriously.

Micromanage

Colt was getting to the winner in last when clear by daylight; he got a nice trip 2 back despite starting from the marooned slot and could envision a trip here where he will sit 4 of 5 off of a moderate pace; can't fault those that give him another shot after failing as chalk.

Cat Burglar

Toss the synthetic opener and the form looks better; he had dead aim at the top of the lane last time but could not close the deal; he was far from disgraced though; Jan 4 winner cashed next out in a $62.5K optional, was 2nd beaten 3 quarters in a $78K stakes, then crushed in the G2 Alysheba; a bit more keen to drill last Sunday and the top last-race Beyer in the resume; he seems to be sitting on a huge race.

Ever Rider (ARG)

Don't be shocked if this runner is sent hard; Espinoza gets a clue as to how the mile and half is working today and that may help come the showcase race; any horse that can beat 14 in a Group 2 can run some; proven at the trip; surprise package.

Golden Soul

For just a maiden winner, he's earned some cash; last year's Derby second was compromised from the marooned slot in the Belmont of 2013; he has the 2 races to draw from but not sure he got much out of the recent efforts; he needs plenty of help up front and there doesn't appear to be a ton of zip in here; not sold on him.

Bigger Is Bettor

Empire-bred picked a tough return assignment; 3 times as many slices as wins makes him a tough on top only ticket; he does have a nice turn of late foot and he got his last furlong in :11.99 last time; only one for 11 locally and he got to lugging that day; would think long and hard before taking too short a number.

Norumbega

Handled rather easily by the Pletcher in the Skip Away, he was never comfortable when between horses in last; he goes inside to outside for this but this race is a far cry from beating N2X foes; needs a rebound run. - Brian Mulligan

Race 4

Spring to the Sky

He was beaten by a hard-nosed turf sprinter in his latest start but this stakes winning veteran is going to need to show up with the performance of his life to prove to be the one in this spot; don't want to ignore how live this barn has been at this meeting, but others entice more.

Global Power

A case can be made for this multiple stakes winner being better off routing than sprinting, and it's just difficult to envision him earning his first win sprinting over turf against this tough bunch; prefer to give the nod for the top spot to others in this one.

Marriedtothemusic

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and dam won 3 of 7 starts for 53k, and she didn't make a turf start; obviously this is a tough spot for his first turf start, but he's won seven of 11, and it wouldn't be a surprise if this stakes winner proved to be a tough out on the front end.

Upgrade

He won this event in 2012 when it was seven furlongs, and if nothing else, he appears to be very well meant while making his second start back from a layoff and trying to get the job done in this event again; runner up from latest won next out at Bel on 5/24 going 1 1/16m over turf in an 80k OPC with a 96 Beyer.

Anyriderill Do

Really like what this colt has done in his starts sprinting over turf and like the idea of him making his first start going six furlongs on grass; obviously there's a leap of faith in terms of Beyer Speed Figures, but feel that this colt can prove to be a player at a price.

Undrafted

His final 3/16th's in the Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs in his latest start was rather impressive, and when considering that was his first start sprinting over turf, and that he gets an extra furlong today, there's plenty of reason to take his chances very seriously.

Non Stop

Grade 3 stakes placed veteran has shown the ability to run his race over any surface, and he's eligible to be ready to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff; leaning toward others for the top spot, but a minor award is within his grasp.

Ben's Cat

Multiple graded stakes winner is about as tough as any turf sprinter out there, and not only does he have 26 wins next to his name, including 16 over turf, but he's on the verge of surpassing the $2 million mark in earnings; he didn't run badly while earning a stakes placing the one time he was shipped to New York prior to this.

Positive Side

Having a tough time giving this gelding the nod over the two horses that finished in front of him in the Turf Sprint in his latest start, and he's been beaten by Marchman in his last two; willing to consider him for a spot underneath in the exotics, but the top spot might be slightly out of his reach.

Marchman

He's been very sharp in recording back-to-back G3 wins prior to this and he's beaten a couple of today's rivals in those starts; he owns excellent positional speed and has to be considered a major contender as he tries to make it three straight; note the sharp looking four furlongs on May 29 in preparation for this.

Salto (IRE)

Always have a tough time looking toward a horse that is trying a turf dash for first time against competition of this caliber, and the closest to anything like this he's ever seen was a seven furlong start in France where he finished 10th of 11. - Brian Pochman

Race 5

Bayern

Draws the fence add puts the hood back on for the turn back to sprint after failing to show any of his customary speed on the stretchout at Pimlico 3 weeks back; colt was impressive taking his first 2 starts over cheaper out West earlier in the year and he did get hounded every step in the G1 Arkansas Derby; his G3 Derby Trial gave the indication he's just a better sprinter and maybe with a clean break he's able to control this heat from the outset; contender.

Financial Mogul

Fresh colt hasn't won since breaking her maiden second out at Saratoga last summer, but he wasn't beaten much by some of these when last seen on the Wood Memorial undercard across town; maybe the new shades help bring some early interest out in him, but the barn doesn't do so well fresh and in the past this guy has needed a race before we saw his best.

Havana

Gray was pretty sharp taking his first 2 starts last year including the 8 panel G1 Champagne over the local main track; he subsequently showed that 2 turns may be a little much for him and while he looked a little dull while sprinting in his first start back from half a year on the bench, he didn't get a lot of pace to run at and he's been working like he's set to take a step forward; giving him the nod to bounce back and beat these home.

Meadowood

Didn't beat all that much in the Pimlico sprint stake on Preakness Day, but he did show a new dimension in running them down and enters this undefeated; colt returned to breeze well on the shore and though he loses Castellano he'll get another solid pilot for this one; should like the added the added trip but will have to keep improving.

Coup de Grace

He's been idle since getting his nose down to beat some of these in the G3 Bay Shore at the trip across town a couple of months back; he also showed something new out of necessity after taking the worst of it at the break; the barn excels with its fresh runners and Castellano stays put on a colt who has been working pretty well of late for his return to the races.

Embellishing Bob

Saw his number put up when interfered with by today's rail drawn runner in the lane of Churchill's Derby Trial while making his first start with winners; he's got the early foot to stay involved from the outset at a trip he should love and he'll get a top pilot for his local debut; price should be right on this improving sophomore.

Tonito M.

Ran well for second money when making his first start in the states at Santa Anita after making a name for himself in Puerto Rico; he's worked several times since out West in preparation for the cross country trip and the barn hits at a nice clip second off the break but these may be a little much for him right now.

Favorite Tale

Ran well to score at a shorter trip in his first start over the local main track, beating some of today's foes home, after getting used in pace at this trip at Aqueduct; he's been working well for this engagement, but there is some other speed in here and hooking up with it could lead him to a fate similar to what he suffered in the Bay Shore; expect he'll prove a little vulnerable in the lane.

Spot

Cuts back a panel after failing to get to a couple of the guys who return here at Churchill last time out; gray has had some extra time since the try and he did work better at his Saratoga base last week; he's a G2 winner at the trip, but that Swale victory came back slow on the figure scale and the performance was aided by quick early splits.

Kobe's Back

Earned a career best number in taking the G2 San Vicente at this trip out West in the winter; rough trips have kept him from getting back to the effort as he has had his gate problems, but they've plagued him since he hit the track; he's certainly been working well for the cross country trip and his best puts him right there with these, but he can't afford to spot his foes an advantage from the outset and will need to break with the field in order to have a legitimate shot of winning this.

Social Inclusion

Showed flashes of freakish ability in his first couple of starts and has still been pretty good since stretched out to face the better runners of his generation; outfit flirted with starting him in the main event today, but it looks as if they've made the right choice in turning him back to a trip that will be right up his alley; he showed in Baltimore that he can settle and still pass runners which will help him from out here and while getting in lighter he should pack a stronger kick late; blistering blowout the other day says he's ready to roll; one to beat.

Top Fortitude

He's only run a few times and did overcome a bit of a pace fight to take the G3 stake at Santa Anita last time; colt has a right to get better and he did show the ability to rate in his debut score last fall, but he catches a pretty tough bunch today; nice to see a solid journeyman pilot get aboard, but this guy faces a tough task.

Pure Sensation

Gray draws the outside slot in a big field and that figures to put his speed in a tough spot from the bell; he's been working up a storm of late and has a right to be better with his first start in over 4 months behind him, but he's never gone this far and the circumstances don't suggest he'll have an easy time handling it today. - Steve Grabowski

Race 6

Fashion Plate

Have to excuse her Oaks' loss when missing the gate break; would think one of the main goals here is to break sharply and get the front from the one post; latest snapped a 3-race streak of racing 1st at the 1st call; cutting back to the Mile distance also helps the cause; can take these a long way up top.

House Rules

Graduated at 1 Mile but in recent races closed well in defeat at longer with obvious concerns if she can get up in time; defeated the 2-back show finisher who posted an 82 Beyer speed figure in a next-out TP-Grade 3 stakes win; the 3-back runner-up finisher Beyered 81 in a next-out GP-MSW victory.

Fiftyshadesofgold

Well-timed ride at 7F to score giving the impression that maybe she's best sprinting; the 2-back route race was against a strong winner who repeated in the G1 Kentucky Oaks with a 107 Beyer; she is very best when stalking the speed and figures to setup nicely stalking Fashion Plate then hopes to get 1st run on the closers.

Sweet Whiskey

Grade 3-stakes winner has not raced past 7F yet; Grade 2 sire banked 557K winning 3-of-5 dirt routes; is out of an unraced dam who produced 1-for-2 dirt router Holiday At Betty's (9K); she's been best at 6F so has to pass the stamina test today; view as a pace presence in a field loaded with other gate speed.

Sweet Reason

Was giving My Miss Sophia 7 pounds in the Gazelle but they will race at equal weights for this; her speed figures were better as a 2-year-old; has been working sharply in the a.m. for an 8%-winning fresh trainer; a wet track produced her career-best Beyer so she's doing a rain dance for this.

Tiz So Sweet

Part of what figures to be a hot pace; the blowout allowance win over the track 5 weeks ago has her set for the stakes debut today; the 2-back graduation looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 74 in a next-out AQU-OPC win; the debut winner made it 4 in a row with 78-73-72 Beyer speed figures taking all 100K stakes.

Unbridled Forever

Has 6 lengths to make up on My Miss Sophia from the Oaks and gets a positive 4-pound weight swing for this; stakes winner 3 back with a huge-late kick but has not shown similar late spark in recent losses; projects for an ideal steup with tons of gate speed signed on but must find the missing-passing gear.

My Miss Sophia

Did almost everything right but win the Oaks' as the winner was on a mission; exits a field-best Beyer speed figure when 6 lengths ahead of show finisher Unbridled Forever; the MSW one-turn mile blowout at GP sets up the same way as this event making her doubly tough to deny.

Artemis Agrotera

Been working sharply for her 3-year-old debut; right back in G1 company; defeated the 2-back show finisher who Beyered 78-77 in next-out G2 and G3-stakes win; the debut show finisher graduated next out in a FL-120K stakes with a 60 speed figure.

Lady Paradime

Stakes debut in a tough spot; obviously GP wasn't her favorite surface going 2-for-2 since leaving Florida; the 3-back winner and show finisher Beyered 91-89 in next-out KEE-G1 and GP-G2-stakes wins; figures to work out a trip like her 2-back upset win over much lesser than this.

Risque Reality

Has not raced past 6.5F yet; sire went 0-for-8 in dirt routes although G1 placed earning 484K; he was a Grade 1 sprinter (1M earnings); is out of a 7-2-3-1 dirt-route dam (92K) who's only other foal to race is 1-for-6 Gadget Girl (44K) did not race past 7F.

Vero Amore

Tough beat in Maryland 3 weeks ago; she heads back to New York for the My Miss Sophia rematch with more than 10 lengths to make up; she should get a good setup stalking a lot of speed; the January winner repeated in an AQU-100K stakes with a 73 Beyer.

Euphrosyne

Her loss to Vero Amore in Maryland leaves her ranked several notches below the top contenders; widest drawn set for a ground-losing trip coming off a co-career-low Beyer; new rider comes as part of a 32%-winning jockey-trainer combo since 2013; would be a surprise. - Art Gropper

Race 7

Close Hatches

She won her third Grade 1 in her latest at Oaklawn and the horse she beat, On Fire Baby, came right back to win the Grade 1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs; one of her Grade 1 wins came in the Mother Goose going this distance on this surface and she was nothing less than sensational; Rosario's hands might be tied leaving from the rail, though, and she is going to have to deal with Beholder early and Princess of Sylmar late; she's the one with the best chance of upsetting the top two.

Antipathy

She is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Scat Daddy and she is by A. P. Indy so the breeding is certainly there; this seems like a tough spot for her to try stakes company for the first time, however, and she will need to improve substantially to make any kind of impact; she also wants to be involved early and there is plenty of proven speed in the field; hard to see it.

Belle Gallantey

She's been perfect since Rodriguez haltered her for $35K last Dec. and she upset heavily-favored Antipathy in her latest in a $62,500 optional in her latest; horse she beat two back in a key race won a minor stakes at Monmouth with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure in her next start; this isn't a minor stakes, however, and she will need to run the race of her life to scare any of the top three.

Classic Point

Another one with speed but not so sure about her stamina; so far a mile is longest she's been able to carry her speed the whole way and that came in a $25K n/w/2 at Gulfstream in Feb. last year, she has obviously improved quite a bit since then but her best races have come in sprints and she figures to be under the gun right from the start here; prefer others.

Beholder

She can rate now and is a much-better horse when Princess of Sylmar beat her in the Kentucky Oaks last year; she couldn't have been more impressive winning the Breeders' Cup Distaff and her workout against an overmatched field in the Santa Lucia tells us she's on top of her game; if she brings her best stuff from California she is going to be a handful; first time in a one-turn route and the long ship from California could make her vulnerable so we're going to try and beat her.

Princess of Sylmar

Love the way she rebounded from her disappointing effort in the Breeders' Cup Distaff with a strong statement in the Cat Bay across town in her first start as an older filly; the only time she ran over this surface she swamped $4.8 million champion Royal Delta in the Grade 1 Beldame in one of her four-straight Grade 1 wins last year; she should get a perfect trip from a stalking position and with the home-field advantage she could have a small edge over Beholder; the pick in what should be a great race to watch. - Randy Goulding

Race 8

Ready Signal

She's certainly not the most talented performer in this event, but when considering the way that she's shown the ability to outrun her odds in the past, far be it for anyone to tell her that she can't get the job done; others entice more, but she deserves some respect for the way that she's overachieved in the past.

Strathnaver (GB)

Nicely bred mare has a ton of raw ability but she seems to be her own worst enemy when it comes to racing luck; graded stakes winner might be able to prove to be a surprise player in this spot, and like the idea of Smith taking a shot aboard her.

Dame Marie

She was upset minded when coming up just a little bit short at over 36-1 against today's rival Coffee Clique in her latest outing and that level of performance puts her in with a chance to make some noise in this spot; have to respect the confidence her connections are showing in her to sign her up for a Grade 1 run.

Somali Lemonade

Not sure what to make of this graded stakes winner at this point, but certainly have to respect the success she's had in her career while winning nearly 600k; she was kind of disappointing as a 3 and 4-year-old after a few very promising starts as a 2-year-old, and feel that her two most recent wins were sort of the result of her being in the right place at the right time.

Coffee Clique

She carries multiple graded stakes winning credentials with her, and even though there might be something to be said for her running down a 36-1 shot in her most recent start, she was extremely determined to get the job done that day; feel that she's simply in very good form right now and that she must be regarded as a top contender.

Stephanie's Kitten

Multiple Grade 1 winner is back to defend her title in this event, and note that she beat today's rival Better Lucky in this spot last year; however, it might be a concern to see what she did in her first away from the Catalano barn in her latest outing; if she does bring her 'A' game to the table, she'll be tough to tackle.

Unlimited Budget

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and minor stakes placed dam won 4 of 8 starts for 76k, and she didn't make a turf start; she carries multiple graded stakes winning credentials with her, and her talent can't be questioned, but this has to be viewed as a very tough spot for her first turf test.

Waterway Run

Multiple graded stakes winner is one of two lined up in here for the top turf barn of Chad Brown, and even though she's run very well in her first three starts since arriving in America, she will need to be ready to take her game to another level to get the better of this bunch; Lezcano has won with 7 of 23 (30%) mounts for this outfit in 2014.

Discreet Marq

From four starts against Grade 1 competition, she has a win and four seconds, and have to like what she's done from five starts over this turf course; she owns excellent positional speed and it's probably a good idea to look for her to be involved in the running throughout while going out for a barn that is currently live.

Better Lucky

She's a multiple Grade 1 winner racing over turf, and for a mare that has been as sharp as she has, she might be a little bit underrated; she loses the services of Castellano to another in here, but it might be worth noting the near-miss in this event last year with Rosario aboard; can't ignore. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

Palace Malice

Like fine wine, he's getting better with age; perfect this year, he didn't get the best of trips in the 2013 finale but like the way he showed more energy in the work last Sunday; racer has natural speed, but is more than comfortable sitting, settling and then kicking; he may have to be used a bit to avoid getting shuffled from the rail but anything close to an effort like last time and the rest could be looking at minor awards.

Vyjack

Bothered early the last time in Elmont, he was game in the comebacker and that may be an ideal prep; note he won on the stretch out in the 2013 debut; place horse in last won next out in a $98K stakes here with a 96 Beyer; like the series of drills coming to this race including the 1:10 and change spin; looking at a stalk and rally trip, needs to improve to get unsaddled.

Scarly Charly

Budget Stable was named as owner for the last race; it took him awhile to figure it out but if you toss the synthetic and turf race the form brightens; he seems to have taken to this surface and he has a right to have a decent career as kin to stakes placed over $300K earner Tammy's Victress; still not sold.

Goldencents

Bothered early in the 2013 closer and but the class is there as he is a multiple G1 winner; proven fresh, he has drilled like a rocket coming to this race and like the fact he has natural speed but doesn't need the lead to win; Smith has gotten on some live stock for O'Neill in the last year; should be right there with the A game.

Moreno

Gelding has the 2 races to draw from and he is a nice racer but far from a win machine; 4 times as many slices as wins makes him a tough on top only ticket; dueled into submission in the Classic last year, he is best when put into the race early so expect Rosario to be aggressive from the sound of the bell; there are several in here with designs on the lead including a sprinter going long; not sure the race sets up all that great for him.

Central Banker

Colt has trained steadily since the game win last time; he is trying to put wins together for the first time in his career but don't be too harsh about the other route as Delta can be a tricky surface to handle; 5th finisher in last took a Grade 3 at Churchill next out with a 99 Beyer and the 9th finisher took a N1X event; he was fully extended in last and we really don't know how much it may have taken out of him.

Capo Bastone

This is the long-fused component of the Pletcher pair; wide and left with too much to do the other time here, and note his G1 win came at 28-1; value should be there as he has been handled by a number of today's rivals; looking elsewhere for a key top horse.

Declan's Warrior

Off the rail here, he likes this layout and nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 8 of 10; yet to record a triple-digit Beyer so that is a wall he will have to walk through to win this race; not sure he was beaten by anybody in the 2014 opener as the winner that day was out of the money in a $115K stakes next out; hard to adore.

Normandy Invasion

Talented colt is giving away winning experience to most in the field; 2/22 return was solid and he just posted the career Beyer while nearly 7 clear of show horse; show horse in last took a $100K Evangeline stakes next out and the winner is on the rail today after cashing in the Winchester; runner has gotten some R and R upstate since the Bayou closer; can never take a runner from this barn lightly.

Clearly Now

Only serious runners run in the money in 12 of 13; the winner of this race last year Sahara Sky was coming off a second in the Carter when he posted the 103 Beyer in that Big A stakes; he could be a tad fragile as the races have been spaced; he only beat 5 in his best race, the Bold Ruler; must hustle.

Broadway Empire

Pressed and faded badly in the other G1 attempt; crushed at 2-5 in the 2013 finale but this race is a far cry from running away from horses in Phoenix; the place horse in that 4/12 race was beaten 3 in an allowance fray next out and then won a $40K stakes at Arapahoe last Sunday; he could be biting off more than he can chew here.

Romansh

Racer handles any kind of going, showed his grit last time and has trained steadily for this; bothered early in the Donn and was pretty much finished at that point; Ortiz got a chance to figure him out and colt should sit a nice journey; was losing ground late when out of the money in the other G1 effort; tough to boost.

Shakin It Up

Hung wide from marooned slot, one more jump and he could have gotten the cash in last; proven in a Grade 1, distance is of no concern and the place horse in the 3/8 race cashed next out in a G2 at Anita with a 101 Beyer; only one poor effort and he may have just disliked the surface at Sunland; last angle to think about; Napravnik 8 for 18 for Baffert in the last year. - Brian Mulligan

Race 10

Imagining

Was left alone on an easy lead then kept on going but today has Five Iron to battle from the gate; most likely sits just off the speed while saving ground; bounce chance back in 27 days after posting a career-best Beyer speed figure following a 91-day freshening; the win rider takes Seek Again for this as he reunites with SW-rider Johnny V; defeated the 3-back show runner who Beyered 88 in a next-out MTH-74K stakes win.

Hey Leroy

Massive stamina test as he's never raced beyond 1M and 1-16th; been a very active 4-year-old campaign; today marks his 11th race in 2014; was very good in defeat in Maryland as the winner circled the field late; he really loves GP grass where he upset in a 1 Mile Grade 3; the 3-back show finisher Beyered 91 in a next-out CRC-75K stakes win.

Rookie Sensation

On the wrong end of a 3-horse win photo when necked by the runner-up finisher who Beyered 96 in a next-out SA-Grade 2 stakes win; Seek Again handled him at today's classic distance in the HOL Derby and have to rank him a notch below these off that effort alone.

Grandeur (IRE)

Is Grade 1-placed in the USA at today's distance; it's 1st Lasix trying to make up more than 1 length on Imagining; obviously the fractions in latest were light giving the winner the advantage there but with Five Iron signed on the pace should be contested and should help his late punch to turn the tables.

Boisterous

7-year-old is a Grade 1-SW on Inner Turf; took on WIse Dan in preparation for this; see his recent win riders with other mounts here as he stretches back out to the distance of his favored-Bowling Green loss on BEL Inner Turf; off his 2014 form is ranked a notch below the top contenders.

Seek Again

HOL Derby winner at today's distance stretched Wise Dan to the limit in last; can't help but think with another eighth of a mile tacked on he would have won; his 2-back score looks better since the runner-up finisher Beyered 95 in a next-out HOU-G3 stakes win; looms a logical contender for win honors.

Five Iron

Exits a best-last-race Beyer after scoring on the lead at shorter; he figures to be playing catch me if you can with these; did not offer a good showing in Florida vs Hey Leroy but clearly he needs the lead to succeed; has to pass the distance test in his 1st start traveling past 1M and an eighth.

Real Solution

Arlington Miliion hero from 2013; when he's on his game is very dangerous; owns the field's 2 best Beyer speed figures finishing 3rd in the 2013 Manhattan earning one of his best numbers; lost to Imagining in a prep for this but races at equal weights today after giving that one 3 pounds in last; 31%-winning jockey-trainer combo adds to the appeal; seems set for a huge race.

Kaigun

2-back Mile was sensational but disappointed in last when dropping back early then not showing his huge stretch kick which was displayed in the 2-back near-miss to Wise Dan; his only race traveling today's distance was a more than 20-length in last year's Queen's Plate; must show more.

Chamois

Strong effort when nosed by Hey Leroy; stretches out to his longest-distance test ever; stalking style has fit him well in shorter races but in his only 9F attempt he faded to finish off the board; the trainer has been very sharp with fresh runners but he's back in under 3 weeks for this. - Art Gropper

Race 11

Medal Count

Colt has worked solidly since a horrible trip in the Kentucky Derby when he was squeezed past the stands the first time, and when he finally got clear, he was clobbered by eventual third finisher Danza; he also didn't get the best of trips in the Blue Grass when racing 6 wide; expect him to be closer to the pace this time; distance should suit him being noting stamina influence of Dynaformer and he signaled he is feeling pretty good about himself after the best of 42 spin on the 24th and the sizzling 1:10 and change move the end of May; not sure he was beating anybody in in the last victory; the place horse on April 4 was 7th on the under card Derby Day in a Grade 2 turf event; value will be there, should be rolling late if at all.

California Chrome

This meteor will take his tactical speed to the track in an attempt to go into the record books; he has had a tendency to get off a step slowly but that has not deterred him from winning the first 2 legs; the signature move of opening up at the top of the lane has worked to perfection of late and he again figures to get a solid stalk and pounce trip; after his final Derby time was the slowest on a fast strip since 1974, his time in the Preakness was the fastest since Curlin went 1:53.46 in 2007; in the work on the a week ago the colt got the last quarter in :23.33 and he galloped out in :59.59 and got 6 furlongs in 1:12.76; it just could be a matter if he can get this grueling distance; history awaits.

Matterhorn

Pletcher charge seems ambitiously placed; he has been a bad actor at the gate at times but note he was tons best of the rest in the Gulfstream finale; it's possible he never really enjoyed the going last time too; colt's dam was sprint only earner of over $900K but he is kin to Title Contender, who took a Grade 3 routing and was 2nd beaten a length and a quarter in a mile and three eighths stakes; connections are confident he will enjoy this marathon distance; being a new shooter in the Belmont is not a bad thing of late; since 2000 12 of the last 14 Belmont winners did not compete in the Preakness; still eligible for an N1X, needs break out race.

Commanding Curve

Soph has more speed than he has flashed of late; note he was only a half length off a :46 half in his second start and would expect him get into this race earlier; the way he finished at Churchill suggests the trip will be within his realm but you really don't want to come from the clouds in this Classic; on top of that there doesn't appear to be a ton of speed in here; he has drilled solidly reportedly working his best ever in the drill last week; Stewart has indicated this runner is coming to this race stronger weight-wise than last year's Derby second Golden Soul, who Stewart also trained and ran 9th in this race; expect rider to take a little hold, get him to settle, try to save ground, and then look for a seam to run through late.

Ride On Curlin

Bothered early in the Oaklawn finale and in the Derby he took a left turn out of the gate and paid the price; like the way he was coming late in Baltimore but he must prove he can win something other than a sprint; on a positive note his 2-time Horse of the Year sire earned over $6.6 million routing and the lone full sister to graduate was 2nd twice routing, beaten only a nose once at 8 and a half furlongs; galloping mostly since the Preakness, like fact he got a feel of the surface with maintenance drill a week ago; there is a concern about whom he has beaten as the place horse in the 2014 debut ran out of the money in an optional claimer since and the place horse in the maiden breaker is one for 5 since; still don't ignore.

Matuszak

Colt opened his career the right way but has only been in the money three times since; bothered early in his Laurel finale and he ran into a road block in the Tesio, but that happens when a runner has limited speed; he does have a right to get the trip; when his sire won the 10-furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup, he was extending late increasing his winning margin by over 4 lengths from the top of the lane to the wire; his dam was route only and she dropped a half sis that won long; backers will have to hope a duel occurs, they go bonkers early, the race falls apart, and this racer finds a lane to rally into in time.

Samraat

Capable runner has been a fighter in his career; he brings positional speed to the table but proved in the Gotham that he can settle and still kick; he did get a good trip in the Derby when he broke well, got clear, gave his best but was just not good enough; Empire-bred has some grit to him and he has the speed to be in the fray from the sound of the bell and have the destiny in his own hands; the recent mile works should have helped his stamina and the fact he broke his maiden here is a plus; slight improvement and he could have an upset on his agenda; since 2000, 7 horses raced in the Derby, skipped the the 2nd jewel and won the Belmont including last year's hero Palace Malice.

Commissioner

Youngster has had some rough trips; he bobbled at the break in the New Mexico race and never got rolling at Oaklawn when he acted up at the gate; considering he was chasing the lone speed last time, the Peter Pan was not all that bad and the recent race over the surface can't hurt; colt's connections have always felt he would improve with more real estate and the blood is there for this runner to thrive; by a Belmont Stakes winner and his dam's sire also won the Belmont; he is also a half brother to Laugh Track, who was Grade 1 place; one could easily envision a trip where he will sit within 4 or so lengths of the leaders hoping to settle and kick; respect.

Wicked Strong

After stumbling in Louisville, colt finished with a flurry; with any kind of luck early, he should be able to maintain contact from the sound of the bell; the Remsen was kind of his coming out party; out in post 9 in the Gulfstream finale, the race was better than it looked since the track was playing solidly toward speed; and he also was flattered when Constitution, the winner on 2/22, went on to take the Florida Derby; he has trained steadily on the training track including the best of 12 bullet a week ago when he started on the slow side, got his middle quarter in :22.50 and finished up in :23.67; he has shown a proven affinity for this surface and is no shrinking violet at crunch time; legit player for all the cash.

General a Rod

Son of Roman Ruler opened career in the right way but he's been a bit snakebitten of late; he did something in the only win this year that you don't see everyday and that's come back on after losing the lead; he ran his eyeballs out in defeat in the Fountain of Youth but has not been able to match that Beyer since; in tight and forced to steady in the Derby and it didn't get much in the Preakness when he was forwardly placed along the inside, was in contention between rivals, was shuffled back on the far turn, was re-energized and finished with interest; nice move on the 31st and the 2nd best time of 1:01 was posted by Burn the Mortgage, who has earned nearly $300K and last won in a $50K claimer; it could be a new ballgame with a clean trip.

Tonalist

He has proven he can handled any kind of going and the win over the track is a major plus; winner on 2/22 took the Fountain of Youth next out and 4th finisher 2/22 took the Wood; in the drill a week ago, this Peter Pan hero worked in blinkers and broke off a couple of lengths in front of workmate Life in Shambles and the duo got their final quarter in :23.06; they galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:12.91 Life in Shambles can run; he lost his debut but won his next pair and was 2nd beaten a head in a $100,000 stakes at Pimlico; Beyers are going in the right direction; if he inherits the lead, it may not be the best thing as only 2 horses since 1984 have gone wire-to wire in this classic and the last was Da Tara in 2008; very dangerous. - Brian Mulligan

Race 12

Artic North

Half-brother to multiple stakes winner Major Marvel (16-36, 580k over turf) has run well against graded stakes competition over turf and this looks like a decent spot for his return to New York; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at SA on 3/30 going 1m over turf vs. 62k OPC's with an 89 Beyer.

Cheyenne Nation

He's capable of dialing up a pretty sharp performance on his best day and he might be ready for a top try after an encouraging performance off of a layoff in his latest outing; he's a proven commodity racing over this turf course and Velasquez has won with 14 of 46 (30%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Inchcape

Like to see the improvement that he's demonstrated in his three starts as a 4-year-old and it doesn't hurt to see that he got the job done in his one start over this turf course; he's obviously in against a strong bunch today, but not willing to count him out of it.

North Star Boy (IRE)

Stakes placed 5-year-old usually shows up and runs his race and he appears to be going as strong as ever as he gets ready to make the third start of his current form cycle; it looks like his connections really tightened the screws in that four-furlong workout on June 3 in preparation for this.

Let's Run

His form prior to the long layoff wasn't strong enough to suggest that he can be competitive at this level of competition and he has every right to need a race or two while making his first start in more than a year; he looks like more of an outsider.

Red Vine

Late running colt has yet to show us that he knows how to run a bad race but it does appear that he will need his sharpest performance to date in order to get the better of this bunch; this is a sharp turf barn and Rosario has won with 4 of 13 (31%) mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

Ghurair

When looking at what he did in his five starts racing overseas, and the money that he attracted in his first start in America, it's probably a good idea to look for him to show up with a much sharper performance this time around; interesting to see this Shadwell-owned colt getting a rider switch to Stevens for this.

Developer

Son of Dynaformer is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Hostess (4-20, 368k over turf) and he deserves another chance to see what he can do racing over grass; that said, this is a tough group for him to be meeting up with.

Shkspeare Shaliyah

He's 0-for-22 since winning a G3 as a 2-year-old and there isn't anything in his recent form to suggest that he's about to show up with a competitive effort against this tough field of 62k OPC's; prefer to side with others.

Jonrah

Maybe he'll be ready to give a good account of himself while making his second start back from a layoff, but just not sure that his best effort is quite good enough to get over on the top contenders in this one; runner up from latest returned to win next out here on 5/31 going 1m over turf in a 125k stakes with a 99 Beyer.

Shining Copper

His overall form has been solid and it's interesting to see that he's making his 4-year-old racing debut while going out for the Pletcher barn for the first time; he gets Lasix and loses blinkers, and Castellano has won with 7 of 21 (33%) mounts for this outfit at the current stand.

Mr. Jenney

Half-brother to multiple G1 winner Mrs. Lindsay (4-10, $1.2 million, including 1-for-1 over turf in North America for 620k) just seems to keep improving with each passing start, and even though the outside post isn't ideal at this trip, he has to be respected as a top contender.

Gotham News

This race looks like it will really fall apart if it has to be moved to the main track but there is some quality dirt form lined up MTO in here; he finished behind a couple of today's rivals in his most recent start, but he might be able to give a better account of himself in this spot if he can avoid an early pace confrontation.

Son of a General

6-year-old has some quality to his pedigree and have to respect the strong performances he's produced since being returned from a layoff last month; as long as he can maintain status quo, he figures to make some noise in this spot.

Abraham

Grade 3 stakes placed performer has to bounce back from a performance that was below par for him and it might be worth noting that was his first start away from the Pletcher barn; he is a legitimate contender in this spot, but feel that it is fair to question what happened last time.

Mighty Ian

It looks like the Rodriguez barn will be live in this spot whether this race is run over turf or dirt and this gelding has been very sharp and three of his last four starts; note that he beat a couple of today's rivals if in his latest outing; obvious player. - Brian Pochman

Race 13

Kingsford Drive

Exceptionally versatile performer won his last with ease but was not challenged in that score; should face some pace pressure here but even if outsprinted for early command, he has the proven ability to rate and win; flawless exacta record at this oval is just another plus; playable regardless of soil condition at post.

Eastwood

Tries seven furlongs for the first time but has displayed consistent early speed throughout his brief career; finished alongside Confrontation in their latest match-up and that was his first attempt over an off track (whereas that rival is a proven winner over such footing).

Tiz Yankee

Forced wide in his 2013 finale at the course and distance, he never got untracked; camera shy runner is still looking for his first tally over the course and returns to find himself in a loaded allowance optional claimer that includes graded stakes runners; faces no easy task.

Bad Hombre

He was simply overmatched at the tail end of his 3-year-old season and is realistically placed today; best lifetime Beyer was achieved at this distance (although over a muddy track); recent workout activity suggests he is primed and ready for this comeback; consider.

In Trouble

After graduating in style last summer at Saratoga, he bypassed allowance conditions and won the G2 Futurity here in convincing manner; considering the subsequent layoff, that was a superlative effort in the G3 Gotham when facing then undefeated Samraat; thereafter: all kinds of trouble when losing to unchallenged Vicars in Trouble; fits nicely with this group.

Confrontation

As far as race flow goes, he appears nicely positioned but he makes his first attempt at today's distance; hurt by a bumpy wide trip, and extreme outpost, in the last assignment while favored he could only manage second; capable of improving upon that as the latest half-mile drill implies.

In the Beat

Brings a lot of experience to the table including a fine placing 2 back at today's journey; overall though, he has faced weaker fields than this and he will have to run a personal best in order to be a major player today; recent Big A breeze helps matters but still have doubts that this is his breakthrough.

Pazolini

Enjoyed a nice trip in last month's tally, coming home in decent time with the last furlong traversed in under 12 seconds; son of Bernardini should have no distance issues here and his latest work at Saratoga should have helped with the conditioning; very light on experience in comparison though.

Slan Abhaile

Disappionted in 2 starts this year but if you scan down to his last appearance at Belmont, it involved serious traffic trouble; in the run prior, on 9/20, he was an excellent second just missing; sports decent record at this trip especially if you toss the performance in the classy G1 Kings Bishop.

Protocol

Sharp score at Santa Anita 3 months ago but his ability to handle seven furlongs remains open to question; the workout regimen during the last month is strong but he is facing rivals who are proven commodities at the course and distance; conflicting signals.

Celebrator

Drew clear in mid-stretch for his first allowance score last month but today will probably have to rally from much further back because of the pace nature of the field; improving colt turned in the best a.m. drill of his career recently and will finally offer a decent price on the board; do not overlook.

Quick Money

Veteran is the elder statesman of the group and has scored over various types of footing; the main drawback is that, despite his extensive record, he has no experience at seven-eighths; latest Beyer achieved, however, indicates he may be able to overcome that shortcoming.

Ragtime

Nice finish in the last victory and Castellano remains loyal; sophomore colt makes his first outing against his elders, however, and that is often a huge roadblock; Hall of Fame trainer in his corner may not be enough to handle such a transition in competition.

Dighton

He is a .500 lifetime hitter as far as finishing in the exacta; has changed running styles dramatically since that score over the Big A inner dirt in March; obviously would move up his chances considerably if he catches another off track here (although that is unlikely according to the forecast); very puzzling possibility.

Associate

Only 2 starts since 2012 and neither one was encouraging; has breezed steadily on the long comeback trail but, as stated above, this is one very loaded affair; has a fine record at the course and distance but that was established long ago; perhaps wait until he finds an easier assembly.

Bet the Power

Beaten favorite has a solid record overall and put in a good run in his sole try at 7 furlongs in the race 2 back; this field comes up much deeper than the one he encountered at Laurel, however, and a difficult wide trip seems unavoidable if he escapes AE imprisonment. - Jim Kachulis