Drop in class for Itsonlyactingdad

ELMONT, N.Y. – Itsonlyactingdad is a three-time winner, but the best race of her career may have been one that she lost.

A year ago in her most recent start at Belmont Park, Itsonlyactingdad finished second, 2 3/4 lengths behind the undefeated Lady Eli, in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational. Itsonlyactingdad has raced just twice since, winning a second-level allowance at Gulfstream in February and running next to last in the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland.

On Thursday, Itsonlyactingdad returns to Belmont Park, drops in class, and is reunited with jockey John Velazquez in a third-level allowance going 1 1/16 miles over the inner turf course. Provided the race remains on the turf, Itsonlyactingdad will face five opponents. Isabelle was entered for the main track only.

Itsonlyactingdad, a daughter of Giant’s Causeway trained by Todd Pletcher, had run well in all of her starts before the Jenny Wiley in April, when she was beaten 15 1/4 lengths.

“She just didn’t fire that day at all, which was disappointing,” Pletcher said. “Hopefully, we get her back on track.”

Velazquez has ridden Itsonlyactingdad four times. He has three wins and a second, beaten a head, in those races.

Miss Chatelaine is the proverbial horse for the course, with all three of her victories coming at Belmont Park, including a second-level allowance win over the inner turf course last fall. Trainer Christophe Clement said he had planned to run Miss Chatelaine at Keeneland in April, but the 4-year-old daughter of Pulpit developed some issues with tying up, and he had to wait.

“She’s been working well lately, and she’s sharp enough, so let’s go,” Clement said. “This is an easier race than a graded stakes.”

My Cara Mia, a second-level allowance winner last out, Mah Jong Maddnes, Selenite, and Robillard complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Itsonlyactingdad, by Giant’s Causeway

Last 3 Beyers: 78-85-96

◗ She has won her last three non-stakes races and is a two-time winner at Thursday’s distance of 1 1/16 miles.

◗ Showed enough tactical speed to lay closer to the pace if need be.

Miss Chatelaine, by Pulpit

Last 3 Beyers: 87-93-77

◗ When she’s not facing Lady Eli, she’s undefeated at Belmont Park, winning three races, including the Chelsey Flower Stakes, going a mile over this course in 2014.

◗ Trainer Clement said one of his concerns is whether the distance of this race is too short for her.

“As she’s gotten older, she wants to go a bit longer,” he said.

◗ Joel Rosario, aboard for all three of this filly’s wins, is back aboard.

Robillard, by Distorted Humor

Last 3 Beyers: 88-54-90

◗ She has won both allowance races in which she’s participated and could be the controlling speed of the race.

◗ Set the pace and faded to third behind Sea Calisi and Guapaza in the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay here in May.