Saturday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Valedictorian’s speed gives her the advantage in Noble Damsel

Belmont | Race 8 | Post Time 4:51 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Significant Form (#5) is obviously the horse to beat, but my feeling is that last time was the right opportunity to bet her in the Ballston Spa. She was dismissed at 7-1 due to one poor performance going the wrong distance, and she unsurprisingly got back on track with a victory. While she ran one of her best races to win, she also got a fantastic ground-saving trip from John Velazquez, who did well to keep her covered up in the early stages. She possesses an explosive turn of foot when she’s in form, but she still needs the right trip in order to produce it. I just don’t want to take a short price on her in a race where she’s likely to work out a different sort of trip.

The Pace Projector is predicting a situation favoring the early leader, and that is almost certain to be VALEDICTORIAN (#6). This New Jersey-bred mare got very good over the winter at Gulfstream and she has maintained top form ever since. Her connections have tried some tough spots with her this year, shipping to races like the Distaff Mile on Derby Day and the Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar. While she failed to hit the board in those races, she was hardly disgraced in defeat. She’s always dangerous when able to control the pace, and I love this outside draw for her. As long as she shows up with her typical performance, I believe she’ll be difficult to overhaul.

THE PLAY

Win: 6
Exacta Key Box: 6 with 2,5
Trifecta: 6 with 1,2,5 with 1,2,4,5