BELMONT – 7/11/2021
RACE 1: 1-5-6-8
#1 SPECTATORLESS is the one to catch from the inside and has had limited opportunities on fast dirt surfaces in his career. He gets the riding services of Jose Ortiz and can take this field the distance if ridden aggressively from the outset.
RACE 2: 2-7-9-3
The debut effort from #2 CHAMPAGNE CAMIE makes her the one to beat. She tracked a hot pace that completely collapsed late and hung in there gamely to the finish. If she can avoid a pace battle here, she just might make the distance.
RACE 3: 5-7-6
#5 PRETTY CLEVER is strictly the one to beat off a narrow miss last time out for trainer Mark Casse. That was this filly’s first try on conventional dirt and she ran a bang-up race so there’s still plenty of upside.
RACE 4: 6-3-7-1/1A
The layoff is the only real concern for #6 SIDD FINCH, who hasn’t been seen since late in 2020. He ran well against comparable foes before being sidelined and should be in a spot where he can stalk and pounce this afternoon.
RACE 5: 7-6-10-9
The best bet on this card is #7 VOODOO ZIP off of a 3rd place finish where he got a horrendous ride from Joe Bravo. He was steadied at the quarter pole after being shuffled back early and is the one to beat with a cleaner run this time around.
RACE 6: 7-1-2-4
The lack of Lasix last time undoubtedly hurt #7 ENDORSED, as he ran an uncharacteristically dull race. He can stay relatively close to the pace, which helps his chances given the complete lack of speed in this affair. John Velazquez getting back aboard is a positive.
RACE 7: 6-4-3-2
There’s a fair chance of an upset here with #6 GLASS CEILING, who goes first off a claim by Charlton Baker. This filly was wide the entire way last time out on a day where the rail was the place to be. She should be a late player here at a price.
RACE 8: 5-3-2-4
#5 VIRGINIA JOY showed increased speed last time out in the New York before being outfinished and now steps down in competition. She can control this race from the start and that adds to her appeal. You’ll have to swallow a short price though.
RACE 9: 2-4-8-11
#2 HONORABLE DREAMS showed speed in her turf debut before weakening late and now looms a major pace threat from an inside post. Jockey Jalon Samuel will be wise to ask her for speed early and that will help her cause.
