BELMONT PARK – 07/02/2023
RACE 1: 3-5-8-7
The layoff is the only worry for #3 WISECRACKEN, who ran a couple of turf races last year that make him a contender today. He is a new gelding and gets Lasix for the first time, so there’s plenty to like. The inside is ideal going this trip where losing ground gets punished significantly.
RACE 2: 6-3-2-4
#6 SWEET MYSTERY is the horse to beat off a good third place finish in a key races that has yielded three next out winners. She chased the pace wide that day before fading late and should be in an ideal position stalking the pace from the outset today. Her recent form is simply too good for her competition today.
RACE 3: 2-3-1-5
This should be a facile win for #2 TECHNICAL ANALYSIS, who is better than her rivals on paper. She hasn’t been seen since last year’s First Lady at Keeneland and has the tactical speed to be a factor right from the start. Her best races have come when she’s had the early lead so look for Jose Ortiz to put her on the engine.
RACE 4: 6-1-5-4
#6 CANDY CARAMEL has been facing better runners in the Midwest and is a good fit here first time for Chris Englehart. She is spotted realistically from a class perspective and her win two back against N2L runners at Oaklawn would make her a winner here if duplicated.
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RACE 5: 7-3-6-5
#7 ISLAND ROSE is a first time starter by 15% debut sire Gun Runner and is the 10th foal to race out of an unraced dam. Seven of those prior foals are winners so there’s pedigree power here and her drill on June 10 drew rave reviews.
RACE 6: 4-6-7-2
The best bet on this card is #4 KING OF COMEDY, who will be loose on the lead on paper. He was close to the pace last out chasing wide and the inside paths were better on that course. There’s a dearth of early speed in here going a trip that is very conducive to frontrunning types. This is also his 3rd start off a layoff, often a time when horses take a clear step forward.
RACE 7: 4-7-6-8
#4 DIVINE WINE got into all kinds of traffic trouble last time out when she was beginning her late run. That makes her the one to beat with Irad Ortiz, Jr. back aboard and her two turf starts since changing surfaces have both been solid. Look for her odds to drift down based on the connections.
RACE 8: 1-4-8-6
#1 LOST IN ROME has spent the majority of this year’s campaign facing considerably tougher competition and now gets an upgrade at jockey as well. He drew poorly but has the speed to overcome the inside draw and did make a move into the teeth of a strong pace that collapsed last time out.
RACE 9: 9-3-6-8
#9 LIBRETTO can get the early lead today as she makes her second start off a trainer change to the barn of Mike Maker. The distance today would seem to suit her without issue given that she has handled marathon trips without issue. An aggressive ride from Dylan Davis would seemingly make her dangerous.
