Cloontia tests open company in turf allowance

ELMONT, N.Y. – Having gone through his New York-bred conditions, Cloontia steps into open company for the first time in six months Wednesday in a first-level allowance race for 3-year-olds scheduled for one mile over Belmont Park’s Widener turf course.

The competitive heat drew eight for the turf, and two more were entered to run only if the race is transferred to the main track. There is a chance of rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cloontia, a son of Sidney’s Candy trained by Jimmy Jerkens, has finished first in four of his last five starts. He was, however, disqualified from a maiden win here in May for interference.

Cloontia came back with two authoritative victories at Belmont before finishing fifth behind Forever in Love – who is also in this field – in a second-level statebred allowance Aug. 8 at Saratoga. That day, Cloontia attempted to come from off the pace. He came back to clear that condition on the lead at Saratoga on Sept. 5.

“He won by a nose; another horse came to him, and he fought on,” Jerkens said. “I don’t know that he’ll have an easy lead [Wednesday]. He seems to like it better to be on the lead, but I don’t know that he has to have it.”

Toughest ‘Ombre and Mighty Mo look like horses who could show early speed.

Junior Alvarado, who rode Cloontia in his last six starts, has opted to ride Mighty Mo in this spot. John Velazquez picks up the mount on Cloontia.

Key Contenders

Cloontia, by Sidney’s Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 89-82-86

◗ When he faced open company at Gulfstream during the winter, he ran against Giant Run and Inspector Lynley, who have since won stakes.

DRF FORMULATOR Fact: Over the last two years, the jockey-trainer team of Velazquez and Jerkens is 7 for 20 with a $3.45 ROI.

Intensity, by Eskendereya
Last 2 Beyers: 84-75

◗ Came off a 10-month layoff and finished fourth, beaten only 2 3/4 lengths by Hockey School.

◗ In winning his debut at 13-1 last November at Aqueduct, this Chad Brown trainee defeated four next-out winners as well as Our Way, who has won his last two starts.

Forever in Love, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 83-86-80

◗ After clearing his New York-bred conditions, he finished fifth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths, in an open, first-level allowance at Saratoga on Sept. 3.

“He kind of had an awkward, wide trip that day at Saratoga,” said Linda Rice, who trains Forever in Love for Sheila Rosenblum. “We were kind of disappointed in the race. He’s training well. We’re excited about running him; we’re hoping the rain holds off.”

Mighty Mo, by Uncle Mo
Last 3 Beyers: 83-71-76

◗ Drops into allowance company after competing in four consecutive stakes following a maiden win at Gulfstream.

◗ Was beaten a neck by the graded-stakes-placed Highland Sky in the Woodhaven going 1 1/16 miles at Aqueduct in April.

◗ Most recently ran fourth in the Better Talk Now at Saratoga.

“He was a little spotty in his last race, kind of clocking horses a little bit,” trainer Bill Mott said. “I got Site Read in there also; we’ll either run both or one of them, see who’s doing best on the day.”