Cinema Stakes an audition for Neptune's Storm

ARCADIA, Calif. – Neptune’s Storm had been with trainer Richard Baltas for approximately a month when the gelding won his first stakes in the Singletary for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf on April 28.

Six weeks later, Neptune’s Storm has shown further progress, Baltas said, enough to expect another stakes win in Sunday’s Grade 3 Cinema Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita.

“I think the horse is moving forward,” Baltas said. “He was a little bit lazy when I first got him.”

Neptune’s Storm will be favored in the $150,000 Cinema Stakes, a race that could lead to appearances in graded stakes for 3-year-olds on turf at Belmont Park next month or at Del Mar later in the summer. The Grade 1 Belmont Derby, a $1 million race at 1 1/4 miles on turf on July 6, is a possibility, pending the results of the Cinema.

Baltas candidly admits he needs to see a flashy win from Neptune’s Storm to consider a cross-country trip.

“I don’t know if we’re that good,” he said.

Sunday, Neptune’s Storm drew the outside post in a field of six. Drayden Van Dyke, who was aboard for the Singletary, retains the mount and is likely to have Neptune’s Storm near the front. Neptune’s Storm disputed the pace in the Singletary and won by three-quarters of a length over Shining Through.

“I’d like to see him up close and tracking,” Baltas said.

The field has one other stakes winner in King of Speed, who was fourth in the Singletary. Neptune’s Storm’s main threat is Gregorian Chant, who is unbeaten in two starts and will have his stakes debut in the Cinema.

KEY CONTENDERS

Neptune’s Storm, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 82-69-76

◗ Neptune’s Storm has won 3 of 8 starts and earned $159,585 for the partnership of Cybertec Intenational, Saul Gevertz, Lynn Gitomer, Mike Goetz and Daniel Weiner. Neptune’s Storm was trained at the start of his career by William Morey, who disbanded his stable in late March and early April for an alleged medication violation. Neptune’s Storm was transferred to Baltas in early April.

◗ In his three wins, all at a mile on turf at Santa Anita, Neptune’s Storm has been near the front throughout.

“He was impressive in his last effort,” Baltas said. “I think he’s improved a little bit.”

Gregorian Chant, by Gregorian

Beyer: 74

◗ Gregorian Chant won a maiden race at seven furlongs on the all-weather surface at Dundalk, Ireland, in his debut in December, and joined trainer Phil D’Amato’s stable in California earlier this year. In his American debut on May 5, Gregorian Chant won an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option by 2 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite under jockey Flavien Prat, who has the mount on Sunday.

Gregorian Chant closed from fifth to take the lead in early stretch.

“I hope he’ll improve off that,” D’Amato said. “We’ve added the blinkers to give him extra focus. I like what I’m seeing.”