Diablo not an easy spot for Green Gratto

The $100,000 Diablo Stakes at Belmont Park on Sunday may be in need of a purse increase. Last year, Joking won the six-furlong race at 16-1 and followed it up with victories in the Grade 2 True North and Grade 1 Vosburgh.

On Sunday, the Diablo has attracted Green Gratto, the winner of the Grade 1 Carter in his most recent effort. Also entered are Stallwalkin’ Dude, who will be making his first start since finishing sixth in the $2 million Golden Shaheen in Dubai; Noholdingback Bear, who will be making his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint; and Still Krz, who earned a 108 Beyer Speed Figure last out while winning an optional-claiming race.

With an inch of rain expected at Belmont on Friday and the possibility of more Saturday, the track may have some moisture in it Sunday. The card also includes the $100,000 Flat Out Stakes at 1 3/8 miles.

Green Gratto is a throwback horse. He runs often, he’s fast, and he’s brave. In the past year and a half, he has won the Grade 3 Toboggan, Grade 3 Fall Highweight, and Gravesend at Aqueduct. He outdid himself in the April 8 Carter, holding off Unified by a neck while springing a $110 upset.

Trainer Gaston Grant is pointing Green Gratto for the $250,000 True North on June 9 and is using the Diablo to get him there – that is, if the track isn’t too wet.

“I just think a two-month stint between the Carter and the True North may be a little much for him and that we should run here,” Grant said. “If we run depends on the weather. I would prefer a fast track but will play it by ear. He hates a sealed track, so if it is wet and sealed, I will probably scratch.”

Winning the Diablo won’t be easy. Trainer David Jacobson has entered both Chief Lion and Stallwalkin’ Dude. Chief Lion is fast in his own right and could press Green Gratto on the lead, setting the table for Stallwalkin’ Dude’s stretch run.

Stallwalkin’ Dude was beaten only 5 1/2 lengths in the 14-horse Golden Shaheen despite breaking from the inside post and losing a shoe during the race, according to Jacobson.

Noholdingback Bear and Still Krz also are contenders.

Noholdingback Bear will be making his first start for Brian Lynch after having been based at Woodbine last year with Mike De Paulo. Still Krz is markedly improved since being claimed by Jason Servis for $20,000 in July. His 108 Beyer is higher than anyone in the field has ever earned.

Diablo, Race 8

Key Contenders

Green Gratto, by Here’s Zealous

Last 3 Beyers: 98-70-100

◗ He was allowed to set an uncontested pace in the Carter. He figures to face more pressure in this spot.

Stallwalkin’ Dude, by City Place

Last 3 Beyers: 100-98-100

◗ He should get a perfect pace setup and will not be bothered by a wet track.

Noholdingback Bear, by Put It Back

Last 3 Beyers: 29-103-97

◗ Won the Grade 3 Gallant Bob at Parx in September after finishing third in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop at Saratoga.