BELMONT PARK – 9/18/21
RACE 1: 2-3-1-7
#2 JAVA BUZZ is clearly the one to beat for a high percentage stable whose runners generally improve with experience. This colt showed serious ability on debut when bested by repeat winner Red Danger and looks to be a deserving heavy favorite today.
RACE 2: 1/1A-2-6-9
Sometimes you have to think outside the box and the William Younghans-trained entry of #1 VICAR’S LEGEND and #1A MANIFEST DESTINY is just that. The former raced on a dead rail last time while each landed in a salty 25k event for NY breds. The pace should work in their favor here.
RACE 3: 6-4-3-8
#6 INVESTMENT INCOME ran into serious traffic trouble when 4th behind the stakes-bound Baby Blythe 5 weeks ago at the Spa. Though she’ll have to overcome a wide draw, she is strictly the one to beat with the shades going on. Here’s to hoping fir an aggressive ride.
RACE 4: 4-5-3
There isn’t much to say about a likely 2-5 favorite such as #4 LONE ROCK. He has blossomed into the best marathoner out there and the beat figures to go on in this affair. Only a potential wire job could put a scare into him, but he has ample early foot to stay close.
RACE 5: 8-13-2-1
The pedigree of #8 RIGBY is attractive. She debuted on dirt with no success for a high percentage stable and now switches surfaces. The dam here won 5x on the sod and has dropped one solid winner from two to try it. Plan on the grass being greener.
RACE 6: 1-8-4-3
#1 HOT FUDGE was a rallying 4th on debut on turf and now shows up on dirt for Linda Rice. This barn is 25% with 2ndtine starting maidens going turf-dirt, good for a $2.22 ROI. She will benefit from the experience and should offer value in a race where the firsters are suspect.
RACE 7: 8-11-7-1/1A
#8 SHAWDYSHAWDYSHAWDY ran during a period of the Spa meet where the inner turf hedge was gold. This colt was nowhere near it during a brutal trip where he lost ground on the first turn. With an aggressive ride from today’s heady pilot he can make amends at a price.
RACE 8: 10-3-5-9
While her reputation as a money burner was well earned, #10 SNICKET has now collected some legitimate excuses. She was against the grain of the tracks at Aqueduct in December and her most recent dirt try was solid. The rider switch to a more aggressive pilot will also help, as will the outside post.
RACE 9: 7-1-6-2
The 11 panel trip should suit the fancy of #7 HARAJUKU, who ships over for the legendary Andre Fabre. She most recently missed narrowly in a Group II in France that was just a bit tougher than this glorified allowance race. She likes firm ground and has decent tactical speed.
RACE 10: 2-8-3-4
The thing that tilts you in the direction of #2 YIBIR in here is the 12f trip. He won a Group II over it last time out for a trainer who has earned two GI wins in NY this year. The trip should suit him well, even without an abundance of early foot signed up.
RACE 11: 7-2-3-10
#7 ONE WHIRLWIND RIDE figures to get a terrific pace setup and looms a live long shot here. He was dogged by a poor break from the gate last time out and a cleaner beginning will greatly help today.
