Belmont: Daily Game Plan for Sunday: July 6

Race 1

Spot Play

LOVE TO SCORE (#3, 7-2): Recent form has been darkened after breaking in the air in a turf dash, and she earned a super pace figure dueling through hot fractions in most recent dirt sprint on this circuit. --Dave Litfin

Valuetempo

Sire is 16-for-129 (12%) with 2-year-old debut starters; 5-for-106 (5%) with 1st-turf runners; is out of a stakes-placed dam (4-for-26, 105K) who went 8-0-0-0 on turf (3K) graduating in start 4; her only other foal to race is 0-for-7 Giacomae Mountain who did not race on grass.

Spanish Armada

Sire is 7-for-94 (7%) with 2-year-old debut starters; 16-for-127 (13%) with 1st-turf runners; is out of an unraced dam who produced 3 winners from 3 other foals to race including War Singer who went 2-for-11 on grass (53K).

Sunset Glow

Filly vs. the boys; the show finisher from last Beyered 54 in a PID-MSW win next out; sire earned 112K on the green; he is 33-for-290 (11%) with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of a SP-dam who raced excusively on grass (2-for-7, 51K) and won her career debut.

Crown the Kitten

Sire banked 2M on grass; he is 36-for-218 (17%) with 2-year-old debut starters; 49-for-314 (16%) with 1st-turf runners; is the 1st foal out of a 3-for-12 dam (76K) who went 3-0-1-0 on grass (12K); she graduated in her 6th start.

The Truth Or Else

Sire is 62-for-422 (15%) with 2-year-old debut starters; 20-for-346 (6%) with 1st-turf runners; is out of a Grade 3-SW dam (6-for-30, 556K) who won her career debut ( 2-0-0-0 on grass); she produced 3 winners from 6 other foals to race (top earner 153K Fighter Wing); 4 foals to race on grass are 0-for-8 combined.

Swing Dixie

Sire banked 882K on grass; he is 1-for-13 (8%) with 2-year-old debut starters; 3-for-27 (11%) with 1st-turf runners; is out of a 7-for-38 dam (144K) (3-18 turf 65K) who graduated in start 5; she produced 2 winners from 5 other foals to race (56K California Gold); 1 foal to turf went 0-for-4.

Careful Choice

Filly vs. males; sire is 0-for-2 with 2-year-old debut starters; 0-for-0 with 1st-turf runners; is out of a SP-dam (1-for-9, 69K) who went 2-0-0-0 on grass but did not win until start 9; she produced 4 winners from 5 other foals to race (121K Jacoby's Run); 3 foals to turf are 0-for-4 combined.

Race 4

With Expression

He's a decent fit at this level of competition and he might be ready to deliver his sharpest performance to date while making his third start as a 3-year-old; this barn has been live at this meeting and Alvarado is a strong turf rider.

Do It for Dennis

Maybe he deserves another chance to see what he can do racing over turf but it's difficult to give him a favorable push based on what he's shown us through his first eight starts; he has the look of an outsider.

Perfect Dancing

He was beaten by today's rival The Mooche in his latest start, but his form has improved since being placed over turf two starts ago and perhaps the rider switch to Velasquez can help him along; a spot underneath in the gimmicks doesn't appear to be out of the question.

Royal Posse

When looking around at the dirt form in here, this will have to be considered a favorable spot for this colt to land in if this race has to be moved to the main track; his best race on dirt just appears to be stronger than anything that his rivals in here are capable of.

Larrytheeducator

Sire wins with approximately 9% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 3 of 23 starts for 95k, including 0-for-2 over turf; from two starts, he's only shown a touch of early speed, and his connections will hope for better with a surface switch.

The Mooche

He looks like a solid fit at this 40k state-bred maiden claiming level and he's eligible to be ready to give a good account of himself in his second start as a 3-year-old after a very useful return performance; Anstu-owned gelding has the look of a contender.

Patrolikeachampion

He showed up with an improved performance in his latest start and it's worth noting that was only his second start since moving into this barn; not willing to put him at the top of the list, but perhaps a minor award isn't out of the question.

Wake Up and Go

This gelding has a little bit of turf in his pedigree and his five starts over turf have been strong enough to list him among the contenders in this spot; he finished right behind today's rival Rontos New York in his latest start and it might be worth noting that blinkers get scrapped for this.

Rontos New York

Like to see the effort that this lightly raced 3-year-old showed up with in his first route attempt in his latest start, and that level of performance can play well in this spot; he's still eligible to have more to show us, and if he's ready to take another step forward, he'll be tough to tackle.

Fictionalcharacter

He was outrun throughout in his career debut after going to post at just under 35-1 and he's clearly going to need to take a noticeable step forward if he's to get himself into the mix against these.

Freud's Fetish

This event figures to come up pretty soft if it has to be moved to the main track, but this gelding didn't make much of an impression in his career debut sprinting over turf, and that was after going to post at 65-1.

East Bay Lodge

He didn't run poorly two starts ago, but that was his only decent effort from four starts, and this half-brother to multiple stakes winner Wicked Tune (11-36, 376k, including 9 of 25 turf starts for 341k) must show more in order to contend.

Race 5

Funny Investment

Offspring of Distorted Humor, a multiple G2 winner who banked 769K, have scored in 128 out of 761 debuts; the dam won 2 of 5 attempts and 37K; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate; upgraded in latest training track breeze.

Casa Cavallo

No firepower shown thus far regardless of surface or distance; today marks his first start for a tag though and he was unlucky in more than one of his efforts; still remains a tough take until more enthusiasm is displayed.

Master Yank

He was vastly overbet 2 months ago following the race at Gulfstream where he stayed on well; the return to the mile should help as should any lack of pace opposition this afternoon; there are only moderate workouts at the shore during June.

Giant Fox

Tries blinkers after being caught wide in his turf debut; he drops to a career low level and the trainer involved has enjoyed an excellent meet; could prove the right value play in this lackluster field (note important trainer/jockey stat).

Ignatius

Earned only minor checks thus far but he was compromised by extra-wide journeys in the last pair; may not have cared for the wet racing surfaces in those attempts and a fast track (the expected track condition today) should brighten his prospects.

Thug Daddy

Very curious item even though he has yet to earn an exacta finish; the latest workout shows sudden improvement and was done presumably with the new equipment; the trainer/jockey combination has done very well of late with longshots; worth a flyer.

Call the Iceman

New face was sired by G1 Suburban winner Frost Giant who captured 454K and whose progeny are 5 for 42 in their first go; the dam was unraced; winning siblings include 75K earner Late Night Hookup; latest gate breeze was fair.

Guyana Express

In his recent maiden voyage, he never got involved while going to post at huge odds; his sire won multiple G1s and 2.84 million while the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is 20K earner Greatness Secret.

Baskets

One of three in this field trying blinkers for the first time; he did show prompting speed in his last run, something lacking in this line-up; flashed brief early foot in his only main track attempt and may be part of the easy pace that seems likely for this event; consider.

Race 6

Lemon Song

The 2-back loss suggests she should be ranked a notch below the top contenders in this event but is getting a positive 3-4-pound weight swing from the runners that just finished ahead of her; not a good sign seeing the rider of last 2 leave for One Penny Piece; the April 17 winner repeated in a BEL-optional claimer with an 87 Beyer speed figure; have mixed feelings.

Starship Pleasant

Model of consistency since switched back to turf when claimed off a March win; figures to sit just off One Penny Piece early then get 1st run on the closers; reunites with the rider from her near-miss finishes at longer; the one to beat.

Cotton Pickin

Her last win was at 11F and her last-to-1st rally fell short at today's distance; would need a lightning-hot pace to help her late punch but that is not projected here; the 3-back winner, runner-up and show finishers Beyered 82-70-68 in next-out BEL-40K-32K and 20K-claiming wins; leaning elsewhere.

Lotsa Noodles

Main Track Only entry's 3-for-4 wet-track record leaps off the form at you; the last she got a sloppy track recorded an 11-length win defeating the runner-up and show finishers; they Beyered 72-71 in next-out CBY-allowance and MED-20K-claiming wins; was a distant 2nd to a runaway winner in latest which marked her 1st-BEL dirt start and has a good chance to move forward for this.

Edie

Exits a best-last-race Beyer when defeating 3 of these; her field-best speed figure was last summer at a half furlong longer over today's turf course; obviously a bounce chance back in just 4 weeks after drilling that strong-winning effort right off more than a 7-month absence; the 2-back show finisher Beyered 88 in a next-out BEL-OPC win; the pick.

One Penny Piece (GB)

Benefits in a race lacking speed hopes to get loose up top; not a great sign that 1st off the claim was a Beyer-career low speed figure but has been freshened up 7 weeks since finishing last in a key race; the winner, runner-up and 6th-place finishers from last Beyered 82-80-76 in next-out BEL-100K stakes, BEL-OPC and MTH alw. wins; a speedy contender for win honors.

Morethanvictorious

Is the only winless-grass runner in the field she seems to prefer the main track; 2-back dirt race is a career-best Beyer and she defeated the 3-back show runner on dirt who posted a 60 speed figure in her next-out AQU-20K-claiming win; 40 days away for an 11%-fresh trainer; will be taking a wait and see approach.

Tizallheart

Rider from last 3 sides with Cotton Pickin; she is another deep closer in a race void of much-gate speed; last win was following a 7-week freshening noting she's back in just 25 days for this; 1-time winner with a class test facing all-multiple winners and a field with 29 victories combined.

Trouble in Love

Deep closer needs the speed to fall apart late however this race does not project to have a hot pace; makes her 2nd straight start breaking widest so sure to lose ground; the show and 9th-place finishers from last Beyered 72-60 in next-out DEL-45K and 25K-claiming wins.

Race 7

Love to Run

Moves to the fence for the drop in half in claiming price while making his second start of the year; gelding's did show speed in his return try, but he had little left thereafter; 3 time local winner was quite good going long here last year and maybe he looks to speed-pop this bunch as well, but while his best would be good enough, he's clearly a different animal now.

Modern Child

Statebred sat at the back of the pack in his first start of the year at Monmouth and didn't do much running thereafter; maybe he's tighter here and the stretchout could benefit him, but he'll get yet another new pilot for this as he goes for an outfit that doesn't win maybe races; prefer others on the win end.

Moe Man

Beaten last out chalk makes his first start off the claim by a barn that excels with this type right back; he was in for half this price last time so he'll face a tougher task here, but he did score at this one turn trip and level across town in the spring; can get in the mix for a share.

Dynamical

Ships in from Chuchill Downs off a solid, career best Beyer score over conditioned claimers last month new barn names a top pilot for his local debut run and he's quick enough to secure a spot up with the pacesetters early; he'll catch a better bunch today, but in his current form he's one to consider.

Rush Now

Wasn't good enough to score at odds on when shipped back to Suffolk Downs last time but he did earn a solid number in that placing; gelding was solid on this circuit this winter and though he's tailed off from a figure standpoint since taken by this outfit, his last was fast enough to get him in the picture here; solid out of town pilot gets aboard this contender.

Sacred Ground

First part of the entry was re-taken by this outfit out of the near miss against cheaper last time after losing him across town in the spring; 7 year old started to get on track for them earlier in the year and they have had some recent luck with newly taken stock; if this late runner can get some pace help in front of him he's one to keep and eye on in the lane.

Sky Blue Mongolia

Other half of the coupling drops in for a tag for his local return; he forced a slow clip before fading as the chalk at Penn National last time and from a figure standpoint he's certainly gone the wrong way of late; he's had a full month to get over his last and he owns the back numbers to be competitive here, but his local try against better 2 back was not very good.

Springcourt

Makes his first start for a new barn that hasn't had much of a presence this year; his last for a slightly cheaper price was pretty solid and his off the pace kick has certainly had an impact of late; gelding has been out of the exacta just once in 8 local spins and he'll get a switch to a top pilot for this but he'll need some help in front of him.

Matt and Jesse

Gelding will drop in price after having little impact running into solid clips in each of his last 2 local spins; he doesn't win very often and his better recent numbers are a little shy of what it would take to threaten here; have to pass on this guy.

Beeliner

Outside drawn gelding failed to finish after offering some speed when stepped in to face allowance runners last time; he's had some time off since and figures to be better for this; early lick should help him get involved from the bell today and there's not a lot of other speed in here so maybe he's able to have things his own way; expecting a much improved try here.

Race 8

Vulnerable Favorite

DEEP SPEED (#3, 3-1): Irish import beat average field making stateside debut last out; fear the Euro bounce may take effect here today. -Chuck Kuehhas

Where's Danny (IRE)

Like what he did after being placed back over turf two starts ago, but this is a tough group of 62k OPC's that he's meeting up with, and he's going to need to step up with a career best effort if he's to prove to be the one in this spot.

Inchcape

He's run well against comparable competition in his three starts this year, and like to see what he did the one time he raced over the Belmont Park turf; he owns excellent tactical speed and he should have every opportunity to manage a comfortable trip after breaking from the inside.

Deep Speed (IRE)

He was a sharp winner in his first start in America and it looks like Rosario might have had another option to consider in here but chose to pilot this one; have to view him as being a top contender as he tries to make it four straight wins.

Shining Copper

Grade 3 stakes placed gelding ran pretty well in a tough spot in his first start for this barn in his latest outing, but he did benefit from a favorable early pace scenario that day; the early pace in here figures to be more lively and that won't be to his liking.

Sinatra

He's shown turf ability since the first time he raced over turf, and with the possible exception of a G3 attempt in his latest start, his form routing over turf has been strong; don't care to see the price tag attached today, but feel that he commands respect as a contender.

Sandyinthesun

He's making his 27th career start and he's yet to run a race that is fast enough to suggest that he can keep up with the top contenders in this spot; he has to be considered an outsider.

Tiger Bourbon

Stakes palced colt is the lone 3-year-old signed on in this spot and he's going to need to step it up along the Beyer Speed Figure scale in a big way if he's planning on getting himself into the mix against these.

Shkspeare Shaliyah

Since winning a G3 as a 2-year-old, his form just hasn't materialized, and now he's seeking his first top-two finish going back 13 starts through 2013; there's nothing in his recent form to help give him a competitive look against these.

Middleburg

Since a lackluster career debut, he hasn't run a bad race, and this half-brother to multiple G1 winner Winchester (6-30, $1.6 million, including 5 of 18 North American turf starts for $1.5 million) hasn't recent form that is plenty strong enough to suggest that he can put in a serious bid for the top spot.

Tune Me In

Multiple graded stakes winner enters this race on a long losing skid, but his two most recent races have been solid performances, and at the very least, he's worthy of consideration underneath in the exotics.

Bluecam

He's four-for-five since moving into this barn and they appear to have him going better than ever entering this race; there's some legitimate dirt form lined up in here, but this gelding will command his share of respect if he gets to go.

Mighty Ian

The 93 Beyer Speed Figure he earned for his latest effort is the best last race figure in this field, and the third-place finisher from that race returned to win next out at Bel on 6/13 going 1 1/16m vs. 62k OPC's with a 90 Beyer; he's clearly capable of getting the job done in a spot like this.

Wabbajack

He hinted at having real ability in his first few starts and he put together a fine winning performance in his latest outing over the main track here; obviously he's facing a tougher assignment this time around, but not going to be surprised to find out that he can compete with these.

Summer Sunset

He deserves credit for the consistent approach that he's developed, and his ability to adapt to any early pace scenario usually leads him to a comfortable trip; his best effort matches up well versus these, and it's probably a good idea to look for him to be involved in the running throughout.

St Moose

This has a chance to prove to be a tough step up in class for him after being claimed for 50k from his latest start, but he has displayed solid form in his four starts this year, and he seems to be quite comfortable racing over this surface.

Race 9

Spot Play

SOCIAL AFFAIR (#11, 5-1) sure seemed to improve with the addition of Lasix last time out, and if he can run back to that effort he'll be tough in the lane; faster pace helps the cause. -Kenny Peck

Live Longshot

CROWN THY GOOD (#1, 10-1) ships up from Fair Hill stretching out to 10 furlongs for third career start; sharp, low-profile barn does great work with lightly raced horses. - Chuck Kuehhas

Crown Thy Good

Both races were solid; show horse in bow returned to win and last race came back okay too as the 11th finisher beat $10K Philly maidens next and 12th player took a $7500 DEL maiden claimer; the winner also repeated in an N1X in Philly with a 77 Beyer; 4 for 27 dam took a couple of stakes, earned over $400K, won on grass twice; 3 of 4 siblings won; one cashed on grass once, one earned about $180K; he drilled solidly last month; respect.

This Guy Is Blue

Colt comes off his best Beyer but lack of speed must be addressed; shades enter picture again but he was 11th and 6th twice the other times with blinks; he has a lot of work to do to match top kin and near $300K earner High Blues; will be in the picture late if at all.

Are We Not Men

Been carefully placed since tough beat in last; he could also be more on the muscle with the blinkers too; dam out of the money twice; lone half bro to race Are You Kidding Me took a G3, won 3 of 15, earned over $300K, won twice on grass; Rosario 5 for 15 for this barn in the last year; nice.

Whitman's Poetry

Tiznow about 7% with debuters in a 623-runner sample; about 8% with first-time grass runners after 389 starters; sire did not race at 2, took 8 of 15, earned over $6.4 million as a double BC Classic hero, never tried grass; 1 for 18 dam cashed on grass; 3 of 4 sibs won including SW Lickety Lemon, who earned nearly $250K and was grass only; never simple to win long at first asking.

Boss Man

Gelding has been around the wire a number of times and is due to punch it in; at least backers can say a full bro won on grass; should be around the wire once again.

Sublime

Last race not all that bad considering the winner was clear; a bit more keen to drill on the 27th; should be given long look if he gets a chance to suit up; tactical speed should also put him in the right spot early.

Nest of Pirates

He only beat 3 to the wire in the other grass effort; nice middle move to go from 7th to within a length of the lead in last; and note show horse was over 4 clear; must be left in the hopper.

Heyaarat

Improving soph was 3 clear in last; Grade 2 winning 6 for 19 dam earned over a million, won on grass twice; this is her first to race; he must be a good looker as he cost an arm and a leg; yet another contender in an absolute scramble.

My Friend Keith

Maybe colt just wanted grass all along; he did catch a super soft pace in last but the third and 9th finishers won at this level next out; dam was unraced; 2 of 4 siblings won; 2 tried grass to no avail; has to be left in the mix.

Buddy's Tiz

Off the rail as Lanerie takes reins; grinder was a bit more keen to race early in last; and maybe he just needed the outing; the hotter the pace the better for this racer.

Social Affair

If you figure he needed the last then a case for a forward move can be made for sure; he still has a right to have a very nice career as kin Dancing Forever took a G1 on grass, banked over $900K; 2nd time Lasix, he doesn't have to be 7 off the pace this time; he looks live.

Day Six

Educated in ordinary debut; dam was unraced; lone half bro lost twice; fast drills since the bow suggest we have not seen the best of this runner.