BELMONT PARK – 6/17/2023
RACE 1: 6-3-5-2
#6 FLAT TOP BOX is a second timer who should improve with experience. Trainer Jorge Abreu’s runners generally get better with a run or two and this one should be no exception given the pedigree. He will be a fair price as well in a competitive field.
RACE 2: 3-7-5-2
#3 BERNING HONOR made a middle move last time out before flattening out in crunch time. She needs a better timed ride today and gets an upgrade in terms of Davis sibling in the irons. The low percentage trainer will drive many away as well.
RACE 3: 2-8-4-7
#2 HANDLE THE TRUTH drops back down a notch in class after failing at the 25k level last time out. She should be more involved early in this affair and was on the wrong part of the racetrack last tmie out.
RACE 4: 7-1-8-6
#7 RUSE had some trip-related issues last year for trainer Tim Hils and now returns off a lengthy layoff. He has plenty of tactical speed and should be forwardly placed from the start. He will be a square price to boot.
RACE 5: 5-6-3-1
#5 SHREVEPORT was on a dead rail last time out for trainer Bill Mott and now returns off a brief respite. He has the speed to stay forward this afternoon and the favorites have some question marks in a competitive spot.
RACE 6: 4-5-2-6
#4 LANDBISCUIT is an interesting runner in here coming off a solid runner-up effort against comparable foes on dirt. The turf form he has is good enough to be made the top pick today for connections that hardly draw extra attention.
RACE 7: 1-7-3-5
#1 OCEAN’S RESERVE is a late threat second off a layoff after finishing with interest last time out for trainer Leah Gyarmati. He has had a hard time winning races but can find his way into the mix more often than not, and the favorite in here is somewhat untrustworthy.
RACE 8: 7-2-4-3
Trainer Chad Brown will start two straight big favorites in a row beginning here as #7 EXACT ESTIMATE is the one to beat. He narrowly missed first time against winners last time out at Keeneland and should be hard to hold off late in a race with some confirmed speed that is unlikely to stay the course.
RACE 9: 5-1-4-3
#5 CARAMEL SWIRL is in top form at the moment off a sharp win in the Vagrancy. The favorite, #1 GOODNIGHT OLIVE, is drawn poorly on the inside and will have to overcome traffic issues again. ‘Caramel gets a clear outside run and should be a strong late player.
RACE 10: 3-12-1-6
#3 ROSEMARY POTATOES has taken the worst of it trip-wise in recent outings and should fit well at today’s sprint distance. She should be a big price given the connections in play here and there’s enough pace to set up her late bid in here.
