Litfin's Belmont Park horses to watch for week of July 6
SENTIERO ITALIA
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Last race: July 4, 10th
Finish: 4th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 92
No match for the unbeaten Lady Eli (who is?) but rallied four wide on the turn and finished willingly to be beaten less than a length for the runner-up spot in a swiftly run Belmont Oaks; Beyer Speed Figures continue to improve.
NORTHERN ECLIPSE
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Last race: July 3, 4th
Finish: 4th by 5 1/4
Beyer: 58
Homebred first-time starter raced well off a slow early pace, took the overland route coming five or six wide into the lane, and gained some ground late in a promising effort.
BIG WORLD
Trainer: Tony Dutrow
Last race: July 2, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 6 1/2
Beyer: 46
This 2-year-old filly took some betting action for her debut against runaway winner Tonasah and put in a solid stretch run after breaking behind the field and trailing through the opening stages; a bit more ground should suit.