Sunday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Spun Size the horse to beat off the claim for new barn
Belmont at the Big A | Race 8 | Post Time 4:42 p.m. (ET)
It's not a groundbreaking opinion, but I just think Spun Size (#6) is landing in a great spot as she drops back down into a conditioned claiming race. She had shown subtle improvement for her prior connections last winter, and proved vastly superior to a weak group when she appeared at Saratoga this summer, taking advantage of a race rained off the turf. She stepped up to a tougher spot last time and confirmed her improved form despite losing. She got placed in an uncomfortable position early, racing in tight quarters before getting shuffled back into the turn. Now she makes her first start off the claim for Bruce Brown, who has quietly done very well with his recent claims. She should also benefit from drawing outside her main pace rivals this time.
I'm Buzzy (#1) might be the class of this field, but her closing style and tendency to settle for minor awards makes it tough to endorse her on the win end. There also has to be some concern about her current form after a couple of lackluster performances in her last two starts. She's also going out for a barn that has been a little cold on this circuit. Melle Mel (#2) is another who could take some money making her first start off the claim for Orlando Noda, who has already won a couple times with this move since returning from a suspension. I just didn't like the field she beat last time, and she had to work harder than expected for that victory.
Looking beyond the top pick, Amy's Light (#4) ran some races in the first half of the year that make her a decent fit against this group. That second place finish to Pretty Magical in May was the best effort of her career, and prior to that she had won in her only start against claiming company since last year. She has some things to prove coming off a poor effort and subsequent layoff, but should be a square price as she drops down. I'm using her underneath the top choice.