BELMONT AT THE BIG A ANALYSIS– 9/14/2024
RACE 1: 7-4-3-5
#7 VEKOMA RIDES is a firster by top notch first crop sire Vekoma, whose progeny are 12-43 on debut. The dam here was winless, but she has dropped 4 winners from 5 to make it to the races. The worktab here is spritely, trainer John Kimmel won with a first timer on Friday and this colt worked :10 at the OBS sale in June.
RACE 2: 6-2-7-3
It is not the greatest sign that trainer Danny Gargan is dropping #6 SARATOGA WARRIOR in for a tag at second asking. After all, he was 2-1 against a bulky field on debut at Saratoga and did so little running they’re willing to part with him for 40k. He should improve on the drop, and he has the hot riding Dylan Davis astride this afternoon.
RACE 3: 6-7-4-3
#6 MONTEBELLO moves up in class 2nd off a layoff after surging late to finish third in a collapsing race last time out. He is capable of being successful at this trip and has positive momentum on the Thorograph sheets. There’s enough pace here to set up his late run and he’ll be a square price in a competitive field.
RACE 4: 8-5-6-1
#8 SHE IS ALL BUSINES goes 2nd off a layoff after tracking the pace and coming up wanting late last time out. Trainer Linda Rice is quickly putting this daughter of Oscar Performance in for a tag and she should improve second off a layoff. The addition of blinkers will get her more involved early, which is a good thing.
RACE 5: 1-3-5-6
#1 ALLABOUTTHEMONEY is the one to beat from a speed figure perspective as he drops in class for trainer John Toscano, Jr. He was a good 2nd two back behind a runaway winner when he rode a strong inside bias. His last outing was better than it looks on paper and he’s a candidate to improve here as the favorite.
RACE 6: 4-5-7-3
#4 YO BANANA BOY is a major player off a strong 3rd place finish last out against a better field. He has improved since returning to the NY bred ranks for trainer Destin Heath and he showed a new dimension coming from off the pace last time out. The Pick 6 looks to go through the 4-5-7 in this field in that order.
RACE 7: 4-2-5-6
The Pick 5 with a massive carryover starts here and #4 VALUATION METRIC is a major player second time out. He was a good 4th on debut while wide on the course the entire trip and having a race behind him should help his cause. Trainer Chad Brown, whose runners are as backed as any conditioner out there, is a staggering 34% with 2YO second time starters in MSW turf routes ($2.82 ROI).
RACE 8: 7-1-5-8
#7 IN OUR TIME was impressive last time out for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. after a failed attempt against stakes company last time out. She should be involved from the outset this afternoon after wiring the field most recently, and she’ll be comfortable stalking the pace. There’s still plenty of upside with her having one race behind her for Saffie.
RACE 9: 6-1-4-8
The more you lean on #6 BRITERDAYZAHEAD, the better your multi-race bets will look. He was involved in the pace last time out before tiring and should be dangerous off a claim by Tom Amoss. The lead is this gelding’s for the taking and he is in good form at the moment even off the claim.
RACE 10: 7-4-10-6
#7 LADY MARY makes her first start for trainer Jack Sisterson after 8 starts in Germany. This filly was third last out in a Group I in her home country, rating just off the pace before finishing with interest. She has enough tactical speed to stay within range early, and the distance is right up her alley given past experience.
RACE 11: 5-7-1-10
If you can get alive to the top three picks here, you’ll be in good shape, especially if #5 POKER JOKER improves on the drop. He had a tough trip last time out and made up some late ground to finish sixth. The winner of that race came right back to win at the Spa, and there should be enough pace to set up his late bid.
BELMONT AT THE BIG A STATS THRU 09-13: 10-4-2-1 $29.50
