BELMONT PARK – 07/01/2023
RACE 1: 5-7-2-3
#5 WOODSIDE WARRIOR drops in for a tag for trainer Mitch Friedman after three tries against MSW competition to begin his career. He should have some speed today and that’ll help him stay within range facing softer competition than he has thus far in his brief career.
RACE 2: 6-5-2-1
#6 CANDLE ran in a better race last time out than the common race among some of her rivals today. She was an even 4th after chasing the pace and the 7 furlong trip will suit her ideally this afternoon. She will be a square price compared to the other contenders in this field.
RACE 3: 5-2-3-8
The field that #5 SHIPSATIONAL faced last time out was better than what he does today. He raced along the inside and never made an appreciable run at the leaders. That group was solid and this is a weaker one from top to bottom. There’s confirmed speed as well that’ll setup the late runners.
RACE 4: 4-6-3-1A
#4 SPACE LAUNCH may have taken the worst of it last time out being the farthest off the pace, but he still finished with interest. Jose Ortiz takes over with Irad Ortiz, Jr. suspended and he’ll keep him in a good spot off the pace early this afternoon. The pace in here should be strong enough to set up his late run.
RACE 5: 6-8-4-11
#6 WEYHILL ROAD seemed to take to the turf without issue last time out checking in third after tracking the pace and taking over in upper stretch. He has a good deal of tactical speed and should be in range from the start today under Jose Ortiz. It also stands to reason he can move forward with a turf start under his belt.
RACE 6: 5-2-6-3
#5 FORT BRAGG narrowly missed last time out in the Pat Day Mile and now returns from a break after scratching from the Woody Stephens. He ran a huge race on the Kentucky Derby undercard, breaking slowly before rushing up to contest the pace. This distance likely suits him best given the other main contender is stretching out for the first time.
RACE 7: 6-5-1-3
#6 SOUTH STREET was claimed last time out for 40k, has trained forwardly since and now returns against N1X allowance company. That is a positive sign for Linda Rice, and this son of Quality Road has hinted at having some ability in the past. The price here should be attractive as well.
RACE 8: 6-2-5-12
On numerous occasions #6 SHINSUN has taken the worst of it pace-wise. He was a good 4th last time out after rallying into a slow pace that never came apart. This bulky field has a great deal of speed signed on and that will only help this son of A Shin Forward. Look for him in the closing stages.
RACE 9: 1-5-3-6
#1 CANDY MAN ROCKET is the one to beat off a handy score in the Runhappy last time out. He has to overcome the tricky inside draw but has a ton of talent and should be in the mix from the outset. His best races make him a strong favorite.
RACE 10: 6-1-2-7
#6 YOUR MISSION had kind of a ridiculous trip last time out when asked by his rider to be many lengths best. He broke slowly and lagged behind early before unleashing a huge move to reach the front off the far turn. Even after being outfinished late there was no doubt who ran the best race and he is the one to beat here.
