Thais brings big class edge to turf allowance

If Mother Nature cannot stop Thais in Friday’s seventh race at Belmont Park, her foes likely won’t either.

A stakes winner in France last June before placing in two stakes in the United States for trainer Chad Brown, she appears to outclass the opposition in this $80,000 second-level allowance with a $62,500 claiming condition.

That is if the race stays on grass, which is no certainty. The National Weather Service on Wednesday forecasted a 70 percent chance of rain Friday in New York.

Thais won over good-to-soft conditions in France in 2016, but if the race is moved from the turf and Thais is not scratched, it will be her first try on dirt.

The connections of at least some runners are hoping for inclement weather. Four of the nine entrants are entered for the main track only.

One of the few who fit regardless of surface is Annie Rocks. A winner of 2 of 8 on turf, she is also 3 for 4 on wet main tracks. One such victory came in a race moved to the slop from a wet turf course at Belmont last May. After finishing well in shorter races this spring, she may appreciate a stretch-out to one mile Friday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Jumby Bay, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 85-97-91

◗ Although stakes-placed on dirt as a younger filly, she has run noticeably quicker on grass. She enters following three consecutive Beyers of 85 or higher, albeit in races ranging from five to six furlongs.

Esquisse, by Dansili
Beyer: 78

◗ She appears fond of racing over soft turf, having run second over heavy ground in a stakes race in France last fall after winning over good-to-soft going in the summer. She also ran third over good turf at Keeneland in her U.S. debut April 11.

Thais, by Rio de La Plata
Last 3 Beyers: 89-92-89

◗ The 3-5 morning-line favorite, she seems well prepped for her first start of 2018, having been breezing regularly. Typical for a Brown trainee, her works have been half-miles, with one work at Palm Meadows ranking as the fastest of 18 at the distance April 21.

Total Control, by Bellamy Road
Last 3 Beyers: 78-79-77

◗ A main-track-only runner, she has steadily risen up the ranks this year, alternating wins and runner-up finishes. She pressed the pace most recently April 29 at Belmont, took a narrow lead, and though no match for the winner, fended off Crimson Frost for second.