BELMONT AT THE BIG A – 10/4
RACE 1: 3-9-7-4
#3 BLUE EIGHTY FIVE takes the biggest class drop in racing for trainer Bill Mott after 3 tries against MSW company. He chased the pace wide last time out and understandably tired late, but gets some massive, and needed, class relief this afternoon. Look for him to make late noise at a square price.
RACE 2: 6-3-7-2
#6 SHIVAREE goes 2nd off a layoff and takes a massive class drop today for trainer Carlos David. This son of Awesome of Course was a non factor last time out against better but should have more speed to offer this afternoon. His best races are far too good for the majority of the runners in this field.
RACE 3: 4-7-1-3
#4 MARKET ALERT returns from a layoff and faced a far tougher field of NY bred N2X optional sellers last time out. He has back class and form over this oval that makes him rather formidable, and trainer Charlie Baker is one you can trust off the bench. Look for him to make an impact late in here.
RACE 4: 7-2-3-1
#7 GOOD SAM is drawn well outside off a good runner-up effort behind the talented Sterling Silver. This daughter of Good Samaritan should enjoy an ideal outside stalking trip today and improved enough last time out to get over her case of the “slows.” This race figures to unfold strongly in her favor as well.
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RACE 5: 7-10-8-6
#7 MEMORIALIZE was a smashing maiden winner last time out off a deeply troubled debut run for Graham Motion. This filly has a ton of upside and can improve with more experience. The added ground was no issue last time out and she has the tactical speed to stay within range from the start.
RACE 6: 2-6-8-3
#2 BREAK THE ICE is a player here dropping from 25k to 16k having faced better last time out. He showed more speed than usual last time out, and that effectively negated his late run. Trainer Mark Hennig had a strong Saratoga meet and bids for a 2nd BAQ score giving this gelding some needed class relief.
RACE 7: 1-7-5-4
Why not try for an upset with #1 LIAM’S JOURNEY, who stretches out in distance off a troubled run at Kentucky Downs last time out. Not only was this colt out of position last time out because of early trouble, but he was also wide when saving ground was pivotal. There’s little to no speed in here and that can only help this son of Liam’s Map.
RACE 8: 2-8-7-1
#2 FIRELINE is a major player on the class drop for trainer Chad Brown after contesting the Alabama last time out. She was a non-factor that day after a slow break from the gate but now gets Lasix for just the 2nd time in her career. Her best race, by far, came when treated with Lasix back in May, so there’s reason to give her an additional look today.
RACE 9: 4-6-1-7
#4 CAPTURE THE FLAG is bred top and bottom for turf being by 12% grass debut sire Quality Road and out of a Grade I winning grasser. That makes this colt kin to Personal Best, a graded stakes winning turf marathoner. The grass should prove greener, and he is a major threat if able to settle and make one run.
RACE 10: 7-4-1-9
#7 NANO MAN was a game 2nd on debut behind Cowes, who will contest Sunday’s Indian Summer at Keeneland. This colt broke well and went on with it to set the pace before being collared late. This race is his to lose given that ample early speed and you’ll get a square price here to boot.
BAQ 2023 STATS: 84-28-10-11 $175.20
