BELMONT – 7/3/2021
RACE 1: 7-1A-2B-8
The prior dirt form of #7 SWEET FRANNY LU makes her the one to beat in this affair. She has faced much tougher in prior dirt outings and looks to be at her best on wet surfaces. There will be plenty of moisture in this strip.
RACE 2: 5-6-9-8
You can keep this one simple with #5 DAGGERBOARD, who sat just off a hot pace before reaching the front last time out. He ended up getting caught right on the wire, bu has improved with each passing start and now goes 2nd off a layoff.
RACE 3: 1-4-5
All signs point to #1 TIERGAN being the one to beat here coming in off three straight runner-up finishes. He has a bit of a problem winning races, but has the right running style for this engagement and has developed more speed of late.
RACE 4: 9-2-1-7
#9 TAINO was claimed by Pat Reynolds last time out and now returns at the same class level. He performed well for his prior trainer and figures to be moving well in the late stages. The presence of Irad Ortiz, Jr. will wreck any chance for value though.
RACE 5: 7-6-1-2
The wet track makes #7 GOOD CULTURE even more interesting on the class drop given the way he began his career. He faced considerably tougher when last seen in Maryland and should be a major late player in this affair.
RACE 6: 3-5-13-14
#3 ALKHAATAM has always trained like a graded stake horse, and is now looking to get his career restarted in the care of Todd Pletcher. The field he faced last time out was too tough and he now goes 2nd off a layoff undoubtedly facing weaker. His lone prior try over a wet surface is rather encouraging as well.
RACE 7: 7-4-8-2
The cutback in distance for #7 JOYCEE HAS PIZZAZZ makes him interesting. He was effective sprinting two starts back then flopped going long in his most recent outing. This is the right trip and he should be in an ideal spot from the opening bell.
RACE 8: 3-7-2-1
The move to turf being made by #3 WOLFIE’S DYNAGHOST is an interesting one given the ample pedigree for the weeds. He was an impressive debut winner and then flopped off a layoff in the Peter Pan. The lead is likely his for the taking from this inside draw and he figures to move forward on the lawn. OFF THE TURF: 3-1A-6-10
RACE 9: 9-1-3-4
#9 VIADERA was a very fortunate winner of the Matriarch and Noble Damsel last year, surging at just the right time to get the job done on both occasions. She returns from a layoff today against a weak field and figures to be a major player throughout. OFF THE TURF: 8-3-4-5
RACE 10: 6-4-2
A showdown looms between #6 HAPPY SAVER AND #4 MYSTIC GUIDE, who last met up in the 2020 Jockey Club Gold Cup won by the former. Happy Saver got a useful prep last time out and figures to be more forwardly placed today. That might be enough to give him a jump as one who’ll offer a bit more value.
