Will turf turn the trick for Hereditary?

ELMONT, N.Y. – To date, the regally bred Hereditary has been a disappointment, having won just two of his nine starts. His connections hope a change of surface leads to a change of fortune when Hereditary makes his turf debut in a second-level allowance/optional $62,500 claimer Friday at Belmont Park.

Hereditary is by Medaglia d’Oro and out of Pleasant Home, who 11 years ago won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff over Belmont’s main track by 9 1/4 lengths at odds of 30-1. Hereditary has not run since May 29, when he finished fifth behind Comfort at this same condition on dirt.

Shortly after that race, Hereditary was found to have a significant quarter crack that required attention and time off.

“I always thought he had a little more potential than he’s given us so far,” trainer Shug McGaughey said. “Hopefully, the grass is going to be the difference.”

There is rain in the forecast for Thursday night into Friday. McGaughey said if this race is moved to the main track, Hereditary probably would still run.

This 1 1/16-mile race drew a field of 13, five of whom were entered to run only if the race is transferred to the main track. On turf, the main contenders include Performance Bonus, Muqtaser, and Chamois. If on dirt, Transparent and Made in Detroit move up.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hereditary, by Megaglia d’Oro

Last 3 Beyers: 94-88-83

◗ Shows a steady string of works on turf for his debut over the surface.

◗ McGaughey’s biggest concern is that this distance could be too short for him.

“He’s traveling awfully well right now,” McGaughey said. “His works on the grass have been decent. I just think he might want to run a little further than a mile and a sixteenth.”

Muqtaser, by Distorted Humor

Beyers: 93-90

◗ He saved ground from the rail for much of the race and did his best running when he was tipped outside by Kendrick Carmouche when third at this same condition Sept. 25.

◗ He must deal with the rail draw again in his third start off a layoff.

Performance Bonus, by Discreetly Mine

Last 3 Beyers: 91-90-88

◗ Had a comfortable trip and outfinished a stubborn Artie Crasher when he won his first-level allowance condition here Sept. 11.

◗ Could be a contender on dirt too since his other win came in an off-the-turf race at Parx in the summer of 2015.

Chamois, by Smart Strike

Last 3 Beyers: 86-89-92

◗ Makes his first start since May but has a history of running well fresh. He won a first-level allowance off a four-month layoff and ran second in the Danger’s Hour Stakes in 2015 off a 10-month layoff.

◗ The 6-year-old is entered for the $62,500 claiming price.