Horse of the day for 6/22
Belmont Park - Race 6
7 Furlongs (Turf)
Maiden Special Weight (New York Breds)
3-year-olds and upward, fillies and mares
Purse $41,000.
JAIMIES GEM hasn't run a step on dirt, but perhaps she's been waiting to try grass all along. Her broodmare sire, Polish Numbers, is a solid source of turf winners, and Jaimies Gem has been freshened up for this assignment. Trainer Ramon Hernandez has struggled lately, but he has won with 23% (3-13, $2.27 ROI) of his first-time turfers over the past two years. This is not a strong field, and Jaimies Gem should be a square price.
WICKED QUEEN ran a decent race two back, and a repeat of that performance should make her a tough customer in ths spot. She faltered badly in her most recent appearance, however, and trainer Gary Sciacca is 0-37 at the current meet. Wicked Queen has some speed, and should be prominent when they turn for home. MIZZENKEY is a half to multiple turf stakes-placed performer Key Event (18-3-3-1, $144,582), and she brings improving Beyer Speed Figures to this heat. She was no match for heavily-favored runaway winner Jesse's Justice last time out, and that foe returned to take an entry-level allowance race for Todd Pletcher with a 78 Beyer. That May 27 race was a very fast race for this class level, and Mizzenkey should give a good performance off that effort. CARRS AND STRIPES has had plenty of chances to break her maiden to no avail, but she's turned her game up a notch since being switched to turf, and she'll make the important third start of the form cycle here. A late-runner, she will need some pace help in order to adequately setup her stretch kick. SPECIAL FORMAT has a strong turf pedigree, and she gained valuable experience when wide in career debut.
GIGGI'S BABY has been bet hard for both career starts, and now receives a strong rider switch to Kent D. She should offer a bit more value this time around.
Selections:
1. Jaimies Gem
2. Wicked Queen
3. Mizzenkey
The play: Jaimies Gem to win and place at 10-1 odds or better.