Consequence favored off Guineas

ELMONT, N.Y. - Consequence, a Phipps Stable homebred who won the American 1,000 Guineas at Arlington Park last year, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite against six other fillies and mares entered in Friday's featured eighth race at Belmont Park.

Trained by Shug McGaughey, Consequence drew post 6 in the $54,000 optional claimer at seven furlongs, which carries second-level allowance conditions and is scheduled for the Widener turf course.

Wednesday's rain may work against the 4-year-old Consequence, whose best races have come on firm turf.

Diamond Dina and Witchy Meeting are coupled for Rick Dutrow, and those 6-year-old mares figure to attract solid support.

Diamond Dina has won 5 of her last 8 starts, and is capable of running peak figures at all distances from six to 10 furlongs. Witchy Meeting, who has raced exclusively on the Southern California circuit, has trained well since rearing at the start of the $147,000 B. Thoughtful Stakes at Hollywood Park on April 24.

Meriwether Jessica, who finished off the board in two stakes starts at Gulfstream Park most recently, returns with a trainer change to Rick Violette Jr.

Colour the Wind, the only 3-year-old in the lineup, is up in class and distance after a front-running maiden win at six furlongs.

Granted Tiger and Yorksters Girl complete the field.

◗ Unrivaled Belle, who outgamed Rachel Alexandra to win the La Troienne six weeks ago, heads a field of five fillies and mares who were entered in Saturday's $250,000 Ogden Phipps

The Bill Mott-trained Unrivaled Belle drew post 3 for the Grade 1 handicap, and will tote 119 pounds, giving from two to four pounds to Funny Moon, Life at Ten, Pumpkin Shell, and Manitoba Miss.

Funny Moon, whose 4 wins from 5 starts at Belmont include last year's Coaching Club American Oaks and last month's Shuvee, drew the rail. Funny Moon, trained by Christophe Clement, is the field's only Grade 1 winner and will carry 117 pounds.

Life at Ten has won her last four starts, capped by a victory in the Sixty Sails at Hawthorne.

Pumpkin Shell and Manitoba Miss drew posts 4 and 5; each was assigned 112 pounds.

The Ogden Phipps is positioned as race 4 on a 10-race card, so it will not be part of the pick six or the $300,000-guaranteed late pick four.