Race 1: Ekhtibaar (#3)
His lone turf start more than three years ago was actually better than it seems; deserves another chance.
Is bred to be a turf horse on his dam’s side, as she and her progeny were mostly European turf horses.
Figures to sit a good stalking trip just off the likely favorite Souperfast.
5-2 on ML
Belmont Park | Race 5 | Post Time 3:41 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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This is the race that I’m most anticipating on the Thursday card, both as a racing fan and a horseplayer. There may be some real talent among the 2-year-olds in this group, and many have impeccable pedigrees to handle the route distance.
The last big weekend of Breeders’ Cup preps is at hand with six Grade 1 races on Saturday. Keeneland has three – the $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile, the $500,000 Breeders’ Futurity, and the $400,000 First Lady. They are supported by two Grade 2 events – the $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America, and the $200,000 Woodford.
Belmont has two Grade 1’s – the $500,000 Champagne and the $400,000 Beldame – backed up by the Grade 2, $500,000 Hill Prince, and the $150,000 Belmont Turf Sprint.
Race 1: Clairvoyant Lady (#4)
Is likely to secure the early lead and may be able to control the pace on the front end.
Gets some significant class relief after being overmatched against optional claiming foes.
Won at this exact level going this distance back in May.
5-1 on ML
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Race 2: Hills Pond (#5)
Belmont Park | Race 7 | Post Time 4:46 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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MO SPEED
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last race: Sept. 28, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 4
Beyer: 60
Over a turf course that favored closers, the debuting Uncle Mo colt set a pressured pace before weakening in the final sixteenth of a one-mile maiden special. The $500,000 yearling purchase will be fitter for the experience.
Race 4: Eloweasel (#4)
Seemingly disliked a very wet turf course, which was closer to yielding, last time out.
Ran well enough to win this race when beating the talented Mentality two back.
Has shown significant improvement for David Donk despite getting some problematic trips this year.
8-1 on ML
GETALOADOFTHIS
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: Sept. 28, race 2
Finish: Fifth by 12 lengths
Beyer: 51
This maiden dropper was eliminated when he broke slowly and was squeezed, recovered to chase, surrendered in the lane. Worth following in maiden-40 or maiden-32 sprint.
AFTER YOU
Trainer: Neil Drysdale
Last race: Sept. 28, race 5
Finish: First by 5 1/2 lengths
Beyer: 71
The defection of Fashion Business from the John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita has me interested in a mid-card pick three comprised of a $25,000 claimer going down the hill, the Grade 1 Zenyatta, and the Grade 2 John Henry.
RACE 4 – CLM 25000
