BELMONT PARK – 9/23/21
RACE 1: 3-5-6
#3 GOLANI BRIGADE looks better than his rivals in the opener, even if this is an unattractive claim. He has been in respectable form and figures to use a potential tactical edge on #5 EL SOBREVIVIENTE.
RACE 2: 2-3-4-8
#2 STREET VENDOR ran a bang-up race on debut and should win with any improvement at second asking. He showed a good late kick in that unveiling and off the pace moves will likely be easier with the rail being up at 9′ on the inner turf course.
RACE 3: 1-3-5
There’s no doubt that #1 MAHAAMEL has disappointed since he broke his maiden impressively in early June. He has a shot for redemption today as the controlling speed stretching out to a mile. Look for aggressive tactics to be employed.
RACE 4: 7-2-10-4
There’s enough appeal with #7 BORU to land there in a super competitive opening leg of the Pick 6. This veteran had a good trip last time out when 2nd against similar foes and returns to the site of a win in May. If he can get that same pace-stalking trip, he’ll be a major threat.
RACE 5: 1-10-4-8
#1 TOGA DANCER will improve with experience after breaking slowly and making a wide move on debut at the Spa. He will wear blinkers today and that should sharpen him up in the opening stages. As the only experienced turf runner in the field, he has an edge.
RACE 6: 6-10-5-12
#6 TURN OF EVENTS is the one to beat given his back class and recent form. He has the speed to stay within range early, which is a major asset and a repeat of his last race would make him a tough customer. Look for him to be within range right from the start.
RACE 7: 5-9-4-3
#5 BLITZ TO WIN is facing a dramatically softer field than he did in his last start. He should be sharper early with the addition of blinkers and his prior efforts here at Belmont were all good enough to win this thing handily. Any additional early foot only helps his cause.
RACE 8: 8-7-10-13
RACE 9: 10-5-6-2
#10 K.K. ICHIKAWA is a late player cutting back in distance after making up decent ground in his last start going long at the Spa. He has the right running style for this affair given the expected pace, and the fact that Joel Rosario sticks is encouraging.
BELMONT FALL STATS: 37-6-4-6 $105.20
