Classic Lady wouldn't mind a little give in the ground

ELMONT, N.Y. – Back on her preferred course and with a chance of moisture in the ground, Classic Lady could have an edge in Friday’s second-level New York-bred allowance/optional $40,000 claiming feature at Belmont Park.

The 1 1/16-mile race drew eight runners for the turf and three who were entered only if the race is moved to the main track. Rain was in the forecast for Thursday, but since there hasn’t been any significant rain in the area for a month, the turf courses here would relish a bit of moisture.

When last she raced at Belmont Park, Classic Lady won a first-level statebred allowance by 5 3/4 lengths going a mile over a good turf course.

“She really ran well that day,” trainer Jorge Abreu said. “I think the turf kind of helped her out a little, having a little give in the ground.”

At Saratoga, Classic Lady twice finished second in this allowance condition, including when she was unable to overcome a wide trip from an outside post on opening day. Friday, Classic Lady breaks from post 6 under Manny Franco.

Classic Lady was entered in the $125,000 John Hettinger Stakes on Sept. 22, but Abreu scratched her because he believed she wasn’t good enough to beat Fifty Five, who did in fact win the race.

Fifty Five is trained by Chad Brown, who sends out Lovely La La in this spot. Lovely La La has finished second in three tries in this condition, most recently on Aug. 1 at Saratoga. Both of her wins have come at Belmont.

Niko’s Dream, a 3-year-old daughter of Central Banker, looms the main competition to Classic Lady. After finishing second to Kid Is Frosty in a pair of New York Stallion Stakes, Niko’s Dream won a first-level allowance going a mile at Saratoga on Aug. 30.

Though Niko’s Dream will break from the outside, trainer Barclay Tagg thinks that might be a good thing.

“I think she likes to come out and make that sweeping move,” Tagg said. “She’s pretty consistent.”

Out of Trouble wheels back eight days after finishing second to stablemate Dream Passage in a starter allowance on Sept. 26. Two starts back on Aug. 28 she finished a head behind Classic Lady when those two were second and third behind War Canoe.

Fetching finished last in that race, but ran well in her previous three turf races, including a maiden win here at 1-2 in May.

Short Pour, a front-running allowance winner at Saratoga on Aug. 30, Purely Lucky, and Way Smart complete the field on turf.

Makin’ Out, Cartwheel, and Beyond Discreet would run only if the race is transferred to the dirt.