BELMONT PARK – 7/7/23
RACE 1: 7-2-6-1
#7 EL GRANDE O is the one to beat off a strong turf debut. This son of Take Charge Indy nearly made all last time out and should be the one to catch again barring one of the firsters having early foot. This barn has been on a roll of late, and historically does very well with Jose Ortiz.
RACE 2: 8-6-4-3
#8 SEA DANCER is a firster by Mastery, whose progeny hit in their turf debuts at a 6% clip. The dam here was a turf winner and she produced multiple stakes winner Johannes, who has been a star on the lawn this year. The outside draw is ideal and she looks to be training well for the unveiling.
RACE 3: 5-3-4-2
#5 SECURITY CODE drops in class and gets Lasix back for trainer Phil Serpe. That’s enough to give her the nod in a contentious affair, as she should be in a good stalk and pounce spot from the start. Her run two back was strong, and anything close to it would make her tough to handle in here.
RACE 4: 1-5-2-6
The forward move made by #1 OLYMPIC DREAMS has been remarkable, as he has gotten better with each passing start. He was a good second in the Commentator last time out and is destined for more opportunities against NY bred stakes foes in the future. In the meantime he can clear this condition as a likely heavy favorite.
RACE 5: 8-7-3-4
Though the barn is tough to take for #8 THANK YOU JON, he is very interesting given his trip last time out. He was out of the gate very poorly as the 9/5 favorite and wound up wide on a day when saving ground was advantageous. He should have more speed today and gets a positive rider switch to Irad Ortiz, Jr.
RACE 6: 9-6-4-2
The best race last time out was likely run by #9 PINE KNOLL, who made a massive late move into a moderate pace to finish a good second at 16-1. He draws outside in here and should get a decent pace setup with a couple of overmatched pace players signed up. Look for him in the closing stages at a price.
RACE 7: 2-4-7-9
This is a terrific MSW event that was re-drawn after last week’s cancellation. #2 HEADLINE NEWS gets the nod off a positive debut where he raced within range of the pace and acme up wanting late. When he did get on track in the closing stages he finished with a flourish and should relish the added ground they’ll go this afternoon.
RACE 8: 6-1-7-9
#6 PRESSURE is a major player here on the cutback in distance after showing speed and fading late against better last time out. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez is 17% with claimers on dirt cutting back from routes to sprints over the last five years ($2.12 ROI). This son of Into Mischief has always given the appearance of being a better sprinter when push comes to shove.
RACE 9: 4-5-2-7
The race that #4 NAGIRROC ran last time out in the James W. Murphy was sensational. He was tugging away staying close to the hot pace before collaring the leaders off the turn and pulling clear late. He should be within range from the outset again today and still has plenty of upside for trainer Graham Motion.
RACE 10: 9-6-10-8
It is hard to have strong convictions in this nightcap, but #9 MEOW MEOW HISS is interesting enough at a price. She is now in the care of Horacio De Paz and takes a big class drop going in for a tag for the first time. The new barn is adding blinkers to her equipment and that should keep her sharp in the opening stages.
