BELMONT – 7/10/21
RACE 1: 2-6-1
The best MTO in the field, #2 DOCTOR JEFF is the one to beat given his worktab and high percentage connections. Street Boss is a positive first out influence and what’s left of this field will be a rather weak lot when all is said and done.
RACE 2: 4-5-8-3
#4 CAUSE OF ACTION is a late runner who will get a strong pace to run at in the late stages of this affair. He has run well against better in the past and will be a square price in this wide-open heat. Watch for him in the late stages.
RACE 3: 3-6-5
#3 PAY GRADE is the one to beat for trainer Christophe Clement after facing much tougher last time out in the Bouwerie. She got no pace help that day and lagged behind while making no real move. She should benefit from the extra furlong here and weaker competition.
RACE 4: 3-8-2-5
#3 TIVOLI TWIRL was most hurt by the slow pace last time out and that worked against this son of Twirling Candy. He goes 2nd off a layoff today and should be in a prime position stalking the pace. He moved forward last time out and has found a home with NY breds.
RACE 5: 7-1-6-5
#7 QUEEN ARELLA is back on dirt and should be a serious late threat for Danny Gargan. This filly began her career in fine fashion and is deserving of more opportunities on dirt. The quicker they go early, the better for this daughter of Speightster.
RACE 6: 9-6-3-5
#9 RIFT VALLEY looks to be the prime late threat in a race loaded with speed. That should set the table perfectly for this son of Pioneerof the Nile as he has come to hand quickly since moving to turf. The recent bullet workout signals his readiness.
RACE 7: 5-7-1-4
#5 SANTA BARBARA is a Group I placed filly who was bested by Thundering Nights last time out in the Pretty Polly. She towers over this field based on that recent performance and she should be a serious threat in the stretch today. The quicker the turf dries out this afternoon, the better.
RACE 8: 7-3-2-4
#7 AUSTRALASIA is going to get an enormous pace setup for trainer Brad Cox today given the amount of zip signed up on paper. She is undefeated and rallied into a slow pace last time out, showing the quality this daughter of Sky Kingdom possesses. Look for her to make noise in the lane.
RACE 9: 2-1-6-7
The recent defeat that #2 BOLSHOI BALLET suffered in the English Derby has prompted some to abandon this son of Galileo. He is a versatile colt who can be close to the pace early, so that will keep him from falling behind the eight ball in terms of race flow.
RACE 9: 3-11-8-9
#3 RANGER FOX is the one to beat as the main speed from the inside for John Terranova. This son of Nyquist narrowly missed last time out when he contested a hot pace before getting caught late. He will be tough to handle if able to slip clear of this bunch early.
RACE 9: 5-3-6-12
In the ever important race around the first turn, #5 REJECTED AGAIN is the likeliest to win. He got involved in a hot pace last time out at Pimlico before tiring late and now drops in class. This is the right class level for him and he figures to get a favorable trip.
