Bluegrass Jamboree should enjoy pace scenario in Sunday feature

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Charlton Baker believes Bluegrass Jamboree is at her best on a dry track and when she can stalk a moderate pace. Both factors are likely to be in play Sunday when the New York-bred Bluegrass Jamboree takes a third crack at the open second-level allowance condition in the feature at Belmont Park.

A field of six fillies and mares was entered in the only non-claiming or maiden race on the 10-race card, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

In February, Bluegrass Jamboree won a first-level allowance by 8 1/4 lengths over a fast Aqueduct main track. She stalked a relatively slow pace – the half-mile went in 47.35 seconds – before drawing clear. She earned a career-best 95 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She surprised me that day,” Baker said. “The pace was slow and she likes a slow pace. She was sitting on top of another horse that day. When the pace is a little quicker she doesn’t have that same kind of quick.”

Bluegrass Jamboree, a 5-year-old daughter of Bluegrass Cat, caught sloppy tracks in her subsequent two starts, but she was good enough to finish second here May 12, a nose in front of Honor Way, who is also back in this field.

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“I was going to scratch her that day,” Baker said. “I’m sure she’s not a sloppy track horse.”

The forecast looks good for Sunday and there doesn’t appear to be a ton of pace in this 6 1/2-furlong race. Tanya’s Gem, who is 3 for 30, is the likely pacesetter under seven-pound apprentice Brian Hernandez Jr. Mo Flash, who has the rail, could also show some pace.

Baker will have Jose Lezcano in the irons. Lezcano has built on his successful Aqueduct winter and spring meets and is the leading rider at the Belmont stand through the first 21 days.

“He’s riding as good as they can ride,” Baker said. “And he knows the filly now. He’s ridden her the best.”

Bluegrass Jamboree will break from post 5.

Takecharge Mirella, the lone 3-year-old in the six-horse field, has won her last two starts, including a first-level allowance here on opening day. Two starts back she was entered for the $75,000 optional claiming price and won that day as well.

“She’s just got better and she’s doing well. Good spot,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said.

Dylan Davis rides Takecharge Mirella from post 4.

Sunday’s race has an optional claiming tag of $62,500. Honor Way, who cleared this second-level condition at Keeneland last October, is being offered for the tag. Honor Way has two seconds and a third from four starts at Belmont.

My Flash and Posse Needed complete the field.