Litfin's Belmont Park horses to watch for week of June 23
BIBBY
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Last race: June 17, 4th
Finish: 4th by 4 1/4
Beyer: 61
First-time starter caught yielding turf going seven furlongs against maiden special weight rivals, was 10 lengths from the lead after a half-mile, and made up ground steadily thereafter in a very useful effort.
IRISH ACTOR
Trainer: Linda Rice
Last race: June 17, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 58
Homebred filly hit the side of the gate at the break, was last of a dozen $40,000 maidens by 16 lengths through the early going, settled into stride while fanning out wide in the lane, and finished well over yielding turf first time out.
UNDER CONTROL
Trainer: Bill Mott
Last race: June 20, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by ¾
Beyer: 90
Making his first start since a third in the Grade 3 River City Handicap last fall, this 7-year-old gelding was along the inside and in some traffic turning for home and finished well when clear to drop a close decision to 6-5 favorite Charming Kitten in a high-end optional claimer on turf.