BELMONT PARK – 06/22/23
RACE 1: 1-2-6-3
#1 MOUNT UP appears to be ready off the bench based on recent workouts and gets Lasix for Todd Pletcher. Tab the tote action here to get more clues on her readiness.
RACE 2: 1-4-5-3
#1 VERBAL returns off a layoff following a dull run at Keeneland back in April. This barn generally does better in NY and this gelding should get a good trip right off the early leaders as a heavy favorite.
RACE 3: 6-5-4-3
#6 GREATEST LOVE is a likely heavy favorite for Linda Rice off the claim as she drops a notch in class. That’s not the greatest of signs, but this mare has spent the majority of her career running faster races against better competition.
RACE 4: 8-9-4-1
#8 BUSTIN BULLET goes 3rd off a layoff after chasing a hot pace last time out and tiring late. The 3rd place finisher from her last start was going to be a solid favorite today, so there’s reason to believe this daughter of Bustin Stones can make noise at a fair price.
RACE 5: 7-5-3-4
#7 PLEASE ADVISE looks to continue a very strong run of 2YO performances for trainer George Weaver that includes a win at Royal Ascot. This colt is by 10% debut sire Palace Malice and is out of a dam who won 3x. The dam here produced 5 winners from 8 to try turf.
RACE 6: 1A-4-2
#1A GUN IT is back on conventional dirt and is going to improve on that surface change. He has good tactical speed and ran a bang-up race when 2nd two starts back on this strip. If he can run back to that effort his rivals today are in trouble.
RACE 7: 4-6-1-5
#4 UNIQUE UNIONS is going to get the right trip with his good tactical speed. He was close to a strong pace last time out and tired late when confronted by a runaway winner. That rival came back to run well at the next class level in his next start.
RACE 8: 8-5-4-2
#8 BIG BRASS BED comes in off a game win last time out against maidens and lands in a realistic spot first time against winners. She should get some pace to run at here and is going to be a deserving favorite.
RACE 9: 4-1-3-8
#4 SPLENDID SUMMER is the one to catch after scratches and goes first off a claim by a barn that is heating up of late. Flavien Prat is among the colony’s best with speedsters and this one should be loose.
