BELMONT PARK – 5/26/23
RACE 1: 3-1-5-4
#3 MOONEY MOONEY showed more than enough on debut to be given the nod here as a second time starter adding Lasix for a suddenly red-hot barn. This filly needn’t improve much at all to contend and didn’t have the cleanest of trips on debut either. Heady pilot Trever McCarthy will put her in the mix from the outset.
RACE 2: 5-7-1-2
#5 LUCKY PERIDOT figures to get an enormous pace setup here and has a massive advantage based on speed figures. She’s been knocking heads with much tougher in South Florida and has fared well on the turf in NY before. If things setup the way they should, she’ll be tough to deny late.
RACE 3: 1/1A-2-4
Which half of the Chad Brown-trained entry strikes your fancy? You get both #1 CHILI FLAG and the invading #1A BEAUTE CACHEE, with the latter looking like a future graded stake horse. If ‘Flag is the insurance policy then you’re doing well as her North American debut was more than solid.
RACE 4: 5-6-4-3
#5 MOVIE MOXY was a tad too close to the slower paths on the rail last time out and now bids to rebound for Linda Rice. This is a softer N2X all things considered given the strength of the next outing from the runner-up in that April 16 affair. This gal has tactical speed and has held her form well since the claim by Rice.
RACE 5: 4-3-7-5
#4 PARATUS is in for a tag for the first time and is a new gelding for his return to NY. He hasn’t run since early March and looked dull in two prior 2023 outings. The 14 month layoff that preceded those two starts is undoubtedly contributing, but this is the right spot class-wise. He also has a good closing kick in a race with suspect early zip.
RACE 6: 7-5-1/1A-4
Trainer Jimmy Ryerson goes back to Eric Cancel on #7 CHESS SPECTACULAR after an unspectacular ride last time out. He took the son of Mastery wide the whole way after a poor break and wound up locked in a wrestling match with the 3YO gelding. That dulled his late run and he is now a major candidate to rebound at what should be a respectable price.
RACE 7: 4-5-1/1A-7
#4 STRIKING SPEED is a threat to rebound here on the drop as he returns to the level at which he was claimed back in April. This son of Brilliant Speed is versatile, but he was likely hurt by being too close to a white hot pace last time out after a sluggish break. He has the speed to be a player from the outset and is in the care of tremendous trainer.
RACE 8: 3-1-4-6
#3 WHATLOVELOOKSLIKE is ultimately just the best horse in this race, even if she didn’t have a major excuse last time out. She should be set for an improved run second off the bench and is a deserving strong favorite. The likelihood of a strong pace will enable Manny Franco to put her in a comfortable spot early.
RACE 9: 8-9-11-2
#8 VOLKERT is back on turf, which is likely his preferred surface. He earned his only win almost 2 years ago here on debut and should be a threat late today on the surface switch. Trainer Mark Hennig does well with horses off of mid-range freshenings and this race is crying out for a stranger.
