BELMONT – 6/4/2021
RACE 1: 1A-2-10
#1A CLASSIC LADY was scratched from a NY bred stake on Monday because it was taken off the turf and now lands in this open event. She is an accomplished veteran who’ll get a solid pace to run at today for Christophe Clement and should be a decent price. OFF THE TURF: 4-1-9
RACE 2: 7-2-1-6
#7 KREESA LA WROTE ran an improved race last time out coming from just off a slow pace to finish a game second. She still has upside and figures to get a bit better pace setup this time around. OFF THE TURF: 13-12-4
RACE 3: 6-2-3
#6 LITTLE DRAMA was a tremendously impressive debut winner for Steve Asmussen and now bids for stakes glory. He showed good early speed on debut when unchallenged on the front end, but likely can handle more pressure without issue.
RACE 4: 4-8-3-5
#4 MUHAAMEL was a game 2nd on debut for trainer Todd Pletcher and should improve at second asking. He showed good speed and should be a major player from the outset. This is a particularly weak MSW event for this circuit.
RACE 5: 12-8-1-7
#12 PUBLIC SECTOR was up against it pace-wise last time out and still finished strongly to snag the place dough. The one mile trip on the Widener turf is far more forgiving for a late-running type and will suit him quite nicely.
RACE 6: 3-5-7-11
#3 BRILLIANT BROOKS is the one to beat off a series of good efforts for high percentage trainer Rob Atras. He was 3rd from just off a hot pace most recently and figures to be forwardly placed again in a race that should be run at an honest early clip.
RACE 7: 5-7-1-2
#5 LOOKING AT BIKINIS has been deserving of another opportunity against graded stake foes and figures to be in an ideal stalking spot today. That will likely give him the jump on many late runners and he will offer value at the windows.
RACE 8: 8-6-1-7
#8 ESTILO TALENTOSO spent an appreciable amount of time in the Derby City Distaff down towards the inside and that was not the place to be early on Derby day. She still ran on well and has been in top form for the underrated barn of Juan Arriagada. Her tactical speed will help her stay within range of #6 CHUB WAGON early.
RACE 9: 6-9-5-1
#6 CIVIL UNION ran a much better race in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf upon additional viewing. She made up good late ground after getting into traffic trouble and now goes 2nd off the bench for Shug McGaughey. Her trip in the Beaugay was less than ideal as she made a wide move before flattening out while stuck behind a slow pace. She should improve with that race behind her.
RACE 10: 8-5-9-7
#8 BARON SAMEDI is a group stake winner going marathon distances and is not in NY for a slice of pizza. Trainer Joey O’Brien has shown he’s more than capable of getting a win in a major graded race in America and the rich purse here for the caliber of entrant makes it appealing.
RACE 11: 4-3-8-11
#4 SUMMER SILENCE should have won last time out but was stuck in traffic behind his pace-setting stablemate. He should be more aggressively ridden today and that will help his chances. The major players in this field offer little appeal and you should shop for value.
