BELMONT PARK – 5/12/23
RACE 1: 3-5-4
Experience is a major factor at this stage of the game with 2YOs and #3 MISCHIEF JOKE rallied well into a slow pace on debut for prior trainer Erick Torres. He’s now with Mike Maker and should be a strong player today with the edge of having gone to the post before.
RACE 2: 6-2-1-7
#6 HEATHCLIFF is a firster by Ghostzapper who is an 11% debut sire and the dam here was winless in one try on turf. The worktab looks strong and Jose Ortiz gets the mount in lieu of his brother riding this colt.
RACE 3: 5-7-1-4
#5 JESTER’S SONG is back on short rest after being claimed here a week ago by trainer Linda rice. This barn is 23% with dirt starters off of 1-7 day breaks first off the claim over the last 5 years, good for a $3.62 ROI. This barn had two wins to cap the Thursday card and is hitting at a 25% clip in 2023.
RACE 4: 7-4-5-2
#7 MORE MANGO is a horse who probably should have been sprinting all along. She was no factor last out in a 25k event going long at the Big A, and her prior turf sprints have come with a low percentage pilot in the irons. This is a real spot for her to score an upset.
RACE 5: 2-5-12-7
#2 ALICE KRAMDEN is a second time starter dropping in class for trainer Jorge Abreu off a debut effort where she faced a very strong field. She’ll get Lasix in here as well with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard and Abreu is 25% with 2nd time starting maidens on dirt dropping in for tags ($2.83 ROI).
RACE 6: 2-6-7-3
#2 KANT HURRY LOVE is interesting in here moving up in class off a game win against N1X competition for Dave Duggan. This gal has a pace stalking style that will keep her in range from the outset and the only speed signed on here is one door to the outside. She should be in stalk and pounce range from the outset.
RACE 7: 5-1-8-3
#5 EXCEPT TEMPTATION ran a bang-up race last time out at Tampa Bay Downs in a rich N1X on Tampa Derby day. She was compromised by a wide trip two starts ago at Aqueduct and the rail was the place to be that day. She is capable of laying close to the pace and should be a square price today as well.
RACE 8: 6-2-1-4
#6 DREW’S GOLD has been very good in three prior starts for trainer James Chapman and now comes back off a brief layoff. He drew favorably on the outside and has room to move forward. The potential he’s shown so far is of great significance.
RACE 9: 2-5-10-6
#2 TACTICAL JOKE is a second time starter who ran a good race on debut rallying late after lagging behind a slow pace. She should improve with a race under her belt and figures to be a pretty heavy favorite this afternoon.
BELMONT SPRING STATS: 28-11-3-2 $89.60
