Fast track in Turnback the Alarm would help Rachel's Temper

ELMONT, N.Y. – Before trainer Charlton Baker makes his maiden voyage to Southern California and the Breeders’ Cup with Joking in the Sprint, he will run Rachel’s Temper in Saturday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Turnback the Alarm Handicap at Belmont Park.

Rachel’s Temper, a 5-year-old daughter of Flatter, won the Summer Colony Stakes at Saratoga in her first start after being claimed for $62,500 by Newtown Anner Stud. Rachel’s Temper then stepped into Grade 1 company in the Beldame but finished sixth of seven behind winner Forever Unbridled. The race was run over a muddy surface.

“I didn’t like her going into it with the mud,” Baker said. “The winner was very good, but I thought she could have been competitive with the others in there if the track wasn’t muddy.”

On Monday, Rachel’s Temper worked a half-mile in 48.43 seconds over the Belmont Park training track.

Others pointing to the Turnback the Alarm include Eskenformoney, Flora Dora, Innovative Idea, Lewis Bay, and Penwith. Linda Mimi and Smartly Agree are possible.

◗ Royal Posse, who won Saturday’s $300,000 Empire Classic, the richest race on the 11-race Empire Showcase program, could make his next start in the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel on Dec. 3 at Gulfstream Park, trainer Rudy Rodriguez said. Royal Posse won that race last year.