Sunday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Smitten should improve stretching out in second start

Belmont at the Big A | Race 6 | Post Time 1:52 p.m. (ET)

Concurrently (#7) didn't show much in her turf debut, but she significantly improved on dirt last time, displaying improved tactical speed and taking over in midstretch, only to get outdueled to the wire. A repeat of that performance obviously makes her a contender here, but there are some more intriguing alternatives who aren't so exposed yet.

One of those is Irresistible (#8), who closed well for third after a wide trip in her debut sprinting. She's bred to go longer, being a half-sister to Louisiana Derby and Stephen Foster winner Kingsbarns, and Todd Pletcher can get these types to improve second time out.

My top pick is Smitten (#2), who finished behind that rival in the same Sept. 20 race going 6 1/2 furlongs. I thought she got an educational run on debut, handled like a horse who probably wasn't intended to win that day. She raced behind horses early and appeared to have some run in upper stretch before Franco had some trouble maneuvering her into a clear path. She stayed on mildly late, looking like the sort that would appreciate some added ground. She's certainly bred to get better going longer on the dam's side.