Litfin's preview: Chalky meet

Wednesday, June 11 preview

FIVE WEEKS TO GO

As hard to believe as it may be, there are just five weeks remaining at the spring-summer meet.

Through Sunday’s racing, favorites have done exceptionally well, winning at nearly a 40 percent clip at 110 for 277.

Post-time choices on dirt (71 for 177) have won at a virtually identical rate as those on turf (39 for 100).

Javier Castellano clings to a 28-27 lead over Irad Ortiz Jr. in the rider standings, with Jose Ortiz (23), Joel Rosario (22), John Velazquez (21) and Cornelio Velasquez (20) still in the hunt as well.

Todd Pletcher tops the trainers in number of starters (80) and wins (17), although his average winner has paid a mere $6.20, which is second-lowest on the leaderboard to Bill Mott ($5.70).

Chad Brown is next with 14 wins, followed by David Jacobson (12), Christophe Clement (11), Gary Contessa (10) and Mott (10).

WIDE-OPEN FEATURE

Any of the fillies in the preliminary allowance feature (race 8) scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf seems capable of winning.

The group of seven 3-year-olds have posted peak Beyer Figures in a narrow range between 74 and 80.

As is so often the case, pace and trips will be the keys. While there isn’t an overwhelming amount of early speed in the race, The Graham Motion-trained Irish Score showed some initiative at Aqueduct last fall, when she dueled for the lead and drew off for a 21-1 maiden win first time on the grass. After a wide trip from an outside post when back on turf for the first time this year at Monmouth, she is on the rail today, and projects to be on or near the front with Miss Frost.

Pink Poppy, Run of the River and Summer Solo unleashed strong late runs to each win her last start, and they bear watching in a race that could propel someone to the inaugural $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational on Saturday, July 5.