Turf route looks just right for Tathqeef, Roman Approval

ELMONT, N.Y. – Tathqeef and Roman Approval return to the course and distance of their most recent victories when they square off in Friday’s featured optional-claiming event going 1 1/4 miles over Belmont Park’s inner turf course.

Tathqeef, a 4-year-old son of Tapit who sold for $1.1 million as a weanling in 2015, won a first-level allowance race here July 2. Since then, he has lost two starts at Saratoga, and his connections hope a return to Belmont results in a reversal of fortune. He is in for the second-level allowance condition of this race.

At Saratoga, Tathqeef found a tough field in his first try at the second-level condition, finishing eighth behind Revved Up going 1 3/8 miles. Last out, Tathqeef tried to rally from last going 1 1/16 miles and finished third, beaten three-quarters of a length by Profiteer and Sycamore Lane.

:: Belmont Park PPs for as low as $1.50/card!

“I thought we’d get more pace backing up in distance,” trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. “It looks like we could be stalking, second or third, and we’re back at a distance and course he likes.”

The same could be said for Roman Approval, a 6-year-old son of Roman Ruler who is 4 for 8 at Belmont Park, including a win at this same condition at 1 1/4 miles in May. He was offered for the claiming tag of $62,500 that day and is back in for that price Friday.

Roman Approval was claimed two back for that same price by Tom Morley for West Point Thoroughbreds and Rob Masiello. Roman Approval runs for Ronald Breed, who is overseeing the barn while Morley serves a suspension.

Black Sea, a group stakes-placed runner in France last year, comes out of a couple of key races at Saratoga in August. He is being offered for the $62,500 claiming price. Chiropractor, Marshall Eddy, and Soluble complete the field.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tathqeef, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 92-89-91

◗ Stretches out to 1 1/4 miles from 1 1/16 miles, the same move that led to his only victory in the United States.

◗ Finished with interest going shorter at this condition at Saratoga last out.

Roman Approval, by Roman Ruler
Last 3 Beyers: 91-67-79

◗ Has a record of 4-1-0 from eight starts over Belmont’s turf and is 2-2-0 from four starts at 1 1/4 miles.

◗ Looks like the primary speed after setting the pace and faltering to third behind Call Provision and Soluble in a similar spot Aug. 30 at Saratoga.

Black Sea, by Dubai Destination
Last 3 Beyers: 90-93-86

◗ Takes a slight drop in class after two subpar efforts at Saratoga.

◗ Gets a rider switch from Joel Rosario to Javier Castellano.