BELMONT PARK – 5/11/2023
RACE 1: 1-7-6-5
So many of these races just go to Wesley Ward, so #1 SAM’S TREASURE is the pick first time out. The sire here, Munnings, is productive with 2YO firsters (16%) and this is the first foal to race out of the dam. Look for her to have speed from this cozy inside draw with a very short run to the far turn.
RACE 2: 5-6-2-4
#5 MORETHANAFEELING took a great deal of money at the windows last time out and wound up racing close to the pace before losing ground midway. He was in the midst of a rally before getting stopped on the rail. He gets a massive upgrade at rider and should be forwardly placed today in a race that hardly lacks a standout.
RACE 3: 3-1-2-5
#3 DREAMS OF TOMORROW is the one to catch here on a massive class drop following a failed return to stakes company. There’s very little speed in here and he finished his 2022 campaign in fine form winning a money allowance at Tampa Bay Downs. If he shows up with anything close to his best, he’ll be very tough to handle here.
RACE 4: 3-5-2-1
#3 SILVER SKILLET is back off a layoff today for trainer Christophe Clement with Lasix for the first time. She ended her 2022 campaign with a smashing win against maidens on the slop and the figure she posted that day was fast enough to contend in this field. Even if she can’t get the lead she is a major win candidate.
RACE 5: 5-2-6-8
The Kentucky dirt form has held up well in New York over the last few years and #5 KEEN HEIR is interesting after being taken for 30k lsat time out at Keeneland. He fits well at this class level and adds blinkers, which should only sharpen him up early. Th eprice will be fair here in what looks like a competitive race on paper.
RACE 6: 5-4-6-3
The class drop for #5 RUN DEVIL is just too much to ignore as she was last seen against N1X company. The winner ran off and hid that day and this gal performed well just to round out the exacta. If she can show her customary speed, even on the cutback in distance, then she is clearly the one to beat.
RACE 7: 1-4-6-7
Seeking out alternatives to #1 AGGREGATION seems like what you want to do here but this son of Flatter is going to be tough to handle based on his best race of 2022. He has tactical speed and can be within range early, which is an asset given the way this race shapes up on paper. He is a deserving favorite for the circuit’s top connections.
RACE 8: 1-6-8-9
#1 MY SEA COTTAGE is the one to catch from the inside for trainer Mark Casse as he ships up from Florida. He had a productive winter and those races largely came against comparable foes. The pace advantage is what should drive his price down even more, especially from this ideal inside post going 8.5fs on the inner turf.
RACE 9: 13-6-7-10
If #13 CHESS SPECTACULAR is able to get in off the AE list then he is undoubtedly the one to bet. He was very wide last time out and that took its toll late as he came up wanting in the final furlong. A wide trip is not a concern this time around given the configuration of the Widener turf course and he should be a decent price to boot.
BELMONT SPRING STATS: 28-11-3-2 $89.60
