Belmont: Daily Game Plan for Sunday, July 13

Race 1

Sunskya

Encounters a soft field for her first run; her sire won multiple G2 stakes and 2.24 million; offspring of Sun King have won 5 out of 144 debuts; the dam was without victory in 4 attempts; sib to several multiple winners including 107K earner Nadja.

Pitched

Makes only her second attempt in the claiming ranks and the latest training track breeze was an improvement; the trainer involved has enjoyed an outstanding meet and the filly should be more of a force at this reduced level.

Tordita

Respectable placing last month and the straightaway mile may suit her just fine; she has more prompting speed than most of the field and may actually find herself in the role of pacesetter today; looks like a comfortable fit on the stretchout.

Quality Legend

Has not accomplished much since the debut claim; on the plus side of the ledger is the much improved breeze accomplished here only 8 days ago; switches to apprentice handling and will somehow have to get into the race sooner.

Bella Fachi

Statebred failed to show much motivation on either surface; can awaken with the powerful drop from special weights and note the atypically fast workout on the morning of 6/29; there is little else to highlight, however.

Dulhan

Poor record thus far regardless of the setting; certainly has had more than her share of bad breaks but still remains a questionable contender; cannot endorse until much more firepower is displayed.

Kevin's Kool Kat

She has earned more money finishes than the rest of the field combined and looks like a now-or-never proposition; ran well at the course, class and distance 2 races ago but certainly does not warrant odds-on again; may finally end the drought.

Dakota's Pick

Has flashed brief speed over the Big A surfaces; was given a freshening and the numerical rise today is not that severe; should benefit somewhat by the pokey pace that seems in store; very generous odds will be the case nonetheless. - Jim Kachulis

Race 2

Vulnerable Favorite

JENNYS CREEK (#1, 3-1) has a bunch of races that are faster than any of these have ever run on turf; lifetime record of 16 starts with nine minor placings without a win dictate search elsewhere. - Chuck Kuehhas

Jennys Creek

She boasts the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here and that wasn't even one of her better efforts; there is some concern with regard to her being the type that will continue to hang around the maiden ranks, but she's clearly fast enough to merit contender status.

Offlee Good

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his first-time starters and with approximately 12% of his turf starters, and dam won 3 of 25 starts for 135k, including 0-for-1 over turf; a couple of her workouts look okay, and this really isn't a bad spot to show up with a firster.

Josie's Prospect

This filly has a touch of turf in her pedigree, and not only has she shown improved early speed since moving into this barn, but maybe she's going to appreciate turning back to a sprint distance; she has at least mild appeal.

All Luv Me

Sire wins with approximately 12% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from an unraced dam; turf is a question, but this is a decent spot to find out what she can do racing on grass, and it doesn't hurt to see that she has some early zip.

Baby B

One of her better efforts was going six furlongs over the main track here two starts back, and this will be the first time that she's been given the opportunity to sprint over turf; if Jennys Creek settles for another minor award, this race is wide open, and it wouldn't be a shock if this miss proved to be the one.

Saratoga Valley

Sire wins with approximately 5% of his first-time starters and with approximately 11% of his turf starters, and dam won two of three starts for 39k, and she didn't make a turf start; this miss is a 1/2 to Ahgogo (2-15, 46k over turf); it looks like they tried to tighten the screws a little bit in her latest workout.

The Lady's Cruisen

Half-sister to Safari Artie (5-16, 128k, including 4 of 8 turf starts for 95k) was really reigned in early on in her career debut and had subtle trouble through the opening half mile; however, when she hit the top of the stretch and switched to her right lead she finished very well; Velasquez has won with 10 of 39 (26%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Music Maid

She's had her chances to show us what she can do and she's going to need to find a way to take her game to another level if she has any plans on going after the top prize; she looks like more of an outsider. - Brian Pochman

Race 3

Essence At Noon

Draws the fence for his unveiling while catching just a few foes with experience in this stakes heat; drills aren't much and his sire is 3 for 30 with his newcomers while the dam was a 3 time sprint winner whose lone foal to race took one sprint; barn has had a rough go if it at the local stand.

Bustin It

First out runner up was no match for the front running winner in the local mud last month; colt returned to twice work well at his Saratoga base and he has shown speed which is a plus in a heat without much established form; both sibs to race are multiple winners including juvenile SW turfer and 121K earner May Shares; with the initial experience behind him he looks to be the one to beat.

Elusive New Yorker

Sire gets 15% first out winners from his offspring and the dam was winless from 7 starts prior to dropping 7 winners including millionaire and multiple SW statebred Naughty New Yorker; barn has had some recent luck right out of the box and though he hasn't been pushed too hard in the morning this 200K auction buy's work last week suggests he has some early foot; expect he'll come out running.

Midnight Nick

Showed little in his debut run and he'll get a downgrade in the saddle today; he does return quickly for another shot and he is kin to a 5 time winner and 181K earner so maybe he has a little more to offer with the initial effort behind him; still, he's got some improving to do in order to step with his 2 foes who have already run.

International Star

Ran away from open company turfers in his debut run here a few weeks back and now he'll face statebreds as the only non-maiden in the field; his interim drill wasn't much but he is kin to 4 main track winners including SW and 240K earner Fools In Love so he should take to the dirt; we know he can pass runners and he does have a sharp turn of foot so he's going to take plenty of tote support; expect he'll prove tough right back, but trying to beat him on this new footing.

Cosmo Storm

Newcomer went for 24 times his sire's stud fee in training a couple of months back so have to think he made a pretty good showing; barn boasts some recent luck right out of the box and this guy's short out of town drills suggest he's quick from the gate; dam was a 7 time sprint winner who dropped a couple of minor winners from 4 foals to race and this guy's sire is winless from 10 debut runners; a top pilot does see fit to take the call. - Steve Grabowski

Spot Play

CLAIMING VICTORY (#12, 7-2): This Monmouth-based filly turns back to seven furlongs on the Widener turf along with a switch to Jose Ortiz – two factors that were also in place for a win over the same course last fall at 10-1. --Dave Litfin

Race 4

Lotsa Noodles

That 2013 closer came back live; can't be thrilled with the grass slate or fact mare seems to prefer going long; she only beat 2 horses in the 2013 finale and the margin was slop aided; would be careful here.

Poor Etiquette

Maybe she disliked the rail last time in a race she had to need; 3/7 place horse cashed next out in a $30K seller, then ran out of the money; note she won on the cut back from a miler to 7 and a half furlongs in March; expect much better effort.

Revealing Moment

Nearly 3 clear in the tough beat last time; nothing wrong with the grass debut and note she won for this price last year; she can be closer up if there are moderate splits; should give a very good account of herself.

Bozique

She had dead aim 2 back, could not close the deal; only a brief threat in the Philly finale; 5/7 winner repeated in a $40K claimer with an 82 Beyer, show horse 5/7 took a $20K claimer, than ran out of the money; needs a rebound run.

Tidal Slam

Mare has been in a major funk and one reason is because she just lacks much speed; 5/29 show horse took a $35K N3L next out with a 70 Beyer; last win came in May of 2011 for this price; can't be thrilled with the beats vs. softer; passing.

Fall Into Faith

Two for 35 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it; she closed into legit splits two back, just ran out of real estate; back in a hurry, needs a turn around.

Mo Didn't Know

The distance is a concern; she has not won beyond 5 and a half furlongs; she is versatile enough to be placed anywhere and still perform; no kick from marooned slot two back; would be careful here.

Implied

Beaten a length and a half in best effort at this distance; she has more speed than she just flashed and even though she cuts back, the blinks could put her on the muscle; 3/9 place horse took a $75K stakes, lost next pair; will be in the picture late if at all.

Clara Lives Strong

She was a pop and stop 8th in only turf out; could have had her for a song and a dance and $6500 early in the year; could need softer to shine.

My Donna Jean

Only a brief threat when protected in last; 0 for 14 is a tough number to think about; a pop and stop last the last time at this trip; not seeing it.

Justalittleloopy

Kela 3 for 68 with first-time turfers; sire didn t run at 2, banked over a million, never turfed; dam's lone win came sprinting on dirt; all 4 siblings won including 5-time turf winner and near $125K earner Starship Duchess; has some things to iron out.

Claiming Victory

The last time she was offered for sale, she held on by a half-length for this very price; nice; runner that got DQ'ed last time got revenge next out in an N1X at the shore with a 77 Beyer; wonder if connections used the last race just to tightener her up for this?; surprise package.

Midnightinpositano

She has the 2 races to draw from now as new bug takes reins; 4/6 winner took a $12.5K claimer next out, lost next several; she was beaten a half-length in only try at 7 furlongs; looking elsewhere for a key horse.

Precious Franca

Been around the wire for this price a couple of times; far from a win machine but she has been consistent picking up checks; another slice could be in her future. - Brian Mulligan

Race 5

Spot Play

VALERIE VICTORIA (#3, 7-2) returns from a layoff off the claim for Bruce Brown today; could not have found a softer spot. - Chuck Kuehhas

Race 7

Readthebyline

10 weeks since posting a field-best Beyer speed figure in a BEL-1-Turn Mile which was following a similar 60-day layoff; was claimed off that gate-to-wire score by a 7% first-off-the-buy barn; Migthy Ian projects as the other major-pace presence here; 2-back winner repeated in an AQU-optional claimer with a 98 Beyer; the one to catch and beat.

Best Man

Lone win was on the lead but has Mighty Ian and Readthebyline to fend off early for this; he has not raced past 7F yet; Grade 2-sire won 3-of-5 dirt routes (712K); 1st foal out of a SW-dam who won 3-of-4 (122K) but did not race longer than 6.5F; the runner-up, 5th and 8th-place finishers from last posted 95-92-87 Beyer speed figures in next-out BEL-MTH-OPC and BEL-40K-claiming wins.

Summer Sunset

1st-time Johnny V winning 24% for the trainer at BEL since 2013; you get the feeling a prototypical Johnny V stalking trip is in order; has been in with some very tough ones recently; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 107 in a next-out DEL-OPC win; 3-back the winner repeated in a BEL-88K stakes with a 99; the pick.

Crafty Dreamer

Since June, 2012, his only win was on AQU Inner Dirt; ventures back into open company after tiring in a key race; the winner and runner-up finisher from last Beyered 102-100 in next-out BEL-OPC and Grade 2 stakes wins; 2-back was also a key race with 3 next-out winners (95-92-87 Beyers); must show more.

Mighty Ian

Speedster has Readthebyline to fend off early; a speed duel would be costly for both runners; he defeated the show and 5th-place finishers from last; they both Beyered 90 in next-out BEL-MTH-OPC wins; cuts back to his shortest-distance test of 2014 which adds to the appeal; won right off the bench in November which is another good sign; contender.

This Hard Land

Exits his lightest Beyer since November when no match for next-out G2-SW Zivo (100); was a speed runner last summer here but now sits back and makes one run; off latest is hard to back in this spot but glad to see Zivo who's he's faced in last 2 is not here; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 92 in a next-out BEL-OPC win.

Wabbajack

Cuts back to his shortest test since January, 2013; won fresh with a co-Beyer Top and a bounce is possible for this; has been working forwardly and keeps the rider from both wins; off-the-pace style should work out well in a field top heavy with speed; must pass the class test; the 3-back runner-up Beyered 91 in a next-out MTH-107K stakes win.

Bad Hombre

It is now more than 1 year since his last win a BEL-1 Mile dirt allowance; had a good prep for this closing at shorter vs. the runner-up finisher who Beyered 93 in a next-out BEL-OPC win; seems set to move forward 2nd time off the bench but will it be enough? - Art Gropper

Race 8

Compliance Officer

Multiple stakes winner has been such a cool horse over the years, and he proved that he still has something left in the tank with a quality win against a stakes caliber allowance field in his latest outing; it looks like they all have to hope that Lubash takes a step backward, but if he does, this gelding can prove to be the one.

Lubash

Grade 3 winner is tough to look past in this spot when considering how sharp he's been in his two starts this year, and the horse that beat him last time finished second in an open 144k stakes on 7/4 going 1m over this turf course with a 98 Beyer; it looks like this race goes through him.

Smooth Bert

Sire wins with approximately 11% of his turf starters and dam won once from six starts for 12k, and she didn't make a turf start; winner from latest won next out here on 7/5 going 1 1/4m in a G2 with a 100 Beyer, and runner up won next out here on 6/28 going 1m in an 80k OPC with a 102 Beyer; this is a tough spot for his turf debut but have to upgrade his chances if this race gets moved to the main track.

Front

Have to respect how consistent he's been going back five starts to last October, and that includes three winning performances, but he was beaten by a few of today's rivals in his latest outing, and Maragh gave him a very comfortable trip that day; Maragh has won with 4 of 9 (44%) mounts for this barn in 2014.

Notacatbutallama

Multiple graded stakes winner has made the most of his 19 career starts while earning more than 600k, but he has been extremely well managed, and he's probably going to need to see Compliance Officer and Lubash both show up with sub par performances to have a chance at the top spot.

Mr. Vegas

He didn't have much to offer when challenged by a number of today's rivals in his latest outing, and maybe his faster days are behind him; from an early pace standpoint he does have some appeal as Smooth Bert isn't guaranteed to be aggressive from the break, and that might allow this veteran to establish an easy early tempo.

Barrel of Love

Thought this stakes placed veteran was pretty game to grab the show prize when finishing behind a couple of today's rivals in his latest outing and that was an encouraging performance for his first start back in this barn; feel that he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics. - Brian Pochman

Race 9

White Sangria

Draws the fence for her return from nearly 4 months on the shelf after a couple of sharp efforts with open company in Florida this past winter; she didn't run as fast when in with statebreds here last year, but does own a sharp fresh score and maybe she's just a better runner at 5 than she was earlier in her career; inside draw means she should be rolling from the bell and if she's anywhere near as good as she was at Gulfstream she'll prove tough to down at a short price.

One Time Only

Beaten chalk in her East coast debut looks to get back on the green over which she ran quite well in California earlier in the year; filly has won sprinting and she's quick enough to secure a spot close to the top early and the surface switch does figure to move her up in a big way; appears to be the main danger.

Invading Humor

Nice effort to stick within a length of the winner in her first start of the year and she's been given a little time since; filly has been solid while sprinting over the local course and maybe getting off the fence helps her settle a bit from the bell today; can get in the mix for a share.

Fancy Boss

Lightly raced sophomore steps up the class ladder after gutting out her second straight score at the local trip when sent off as the choice; she's perfect over the course but she does like to fight for the top from the bell and with other speed signed on in this tougher spot she could prove vulnerable late; prefer to side against the three-peat.

Penthouse Party

Cuts back to sprint in her return to the lawn for the first time this year; mare does own a couple of sod wins and maybe she has some bottom from her recent route tries, but don't know that she's good enough to step with some of these; looking elsewhere for the winner.

Desert Bliss

Late runner will sprint today after coming up short late while going long over a heavy course last week; mare wasn't far off some of these trying one turn 2 starts back and the pace in front of her should be solid enough to set up her kick; one to keep an eye on in the lane.

Marcy

Wasn't close at the level last time and was defeated quite handily by some of these 2 starts back; while there does look to be some pace to run into, she hasn't run fast enough to prove a threat against this bunch; can't make a solid case for this longshot.

Lumineuse

Gets back in with statebreds after tracking from a wide spot and coming up empty late in her return to the local sod; she didn't do much at the level 2 back over the main track and she has been off the board in each of her 4 turf spins at this venue; looks to have her work cut out for her today.

Image of Noon

Gray will move from the inside draw to an outside starting slot after just getting her nose down to post the popular score in her second start of the season; she's been pretty good since returning for her 4 year old campaign and though she'll tackle better today she looks to fit pretty well at the level; with some pace in front of her she should be rolling late; contender.

Uncle Southern

Just missed at this trip and level after tracking a slow clip in her first start of the year 2 back and held second money in the off the turfer last time; filly possesses a solid tracking style and from this outside draw should be able to put it to good use; she likes this course and should have every chance to prove she's good enough. - Steve Grabowski