Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Sorrentina Lemon can step forward second off layoff

Belmont | Race 9 | Post Time 5:20 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

The two fillies likely to attract the bulk of public support are Bacchanalia and Sorrentina Lemon, and for good reason. The former would be difficult for this field to handle if able to run back to her most recent start at Gulfstream Park. She was probably best that day when just missing to the talented Silver Kitten after getting a wide trip behind a slow pace. The problem is that Bacchanalia (#6) hasn’t been seen for over six months since then. She’s successfully returned from long layoffs before, but she did run her best race last time after she had a start under her belt. I’m using her prominently, but I prefer her main rival.

SORRENTINA LEMON (#3) seems like a filly who still has room to improve in just her fifth career start. She showed promise from the start of her career, but has had trouble putting races back to back. Therefore, I think it’s a good sign that Christophe Clement is finally able to run her back just four weeks after her return at Kentucky Downs. She ran an excellent race that day but just fell a little short. If she can get back into the form we saw out of her in the Winter Memories last year she’ll be tough to beat. Furthermore, she may possess a tactical advantage over her main rival in a paceless race.

I also wouldn’t completely discount Bramble Queen (#1). This nine-time winning mare is a real overachiever and seems to always show up with a solid effort. She showed she could compete against good horses in the Ballston Spa over the summer and was just unfortunate to catch a loose-on-the-lead Xenobia at Monmouth Park last time.

THE PLAY

Win: 3
Exacta: 3 with 1,5,6
Trifecta: 3 with 1,6 with ALL