Gallant Bloom

Six female sprinters will square off in Sunday’s $150,000 Gallant Bloom H.
(G2) over a probable wet track at Belmont Park, and SMOKEY GLACKEN (Forestry)
threatens to run away from her rivals once again. She caught an off track last
time in the Floral Park H. (G2) and cruised to a two-length decision, and she
looks like the lone speed in this six-horse field. The James Jerkens trainee has
earned commendable BRIS Speed ratings of 102 and 105 in her last two starts
(both wins), and she appears to wheel back 22 days off her last start in top
form.

UMPATEEDLE (Suave Prospect) loves a wet surface and exits a sharp 2
1/2-length triumph in the Endine H. (G3) at Delaware Park. The Mark Shuman-trained
six-year-old has never raced at Belmont and will have to stretch out a
half-furlong farther than her favorite distance, but Umpateedle is doing
extremely well presently and could offer a challenge for it.

TRAVELATOR (A. P Jet) rallied to a commendable score in the restricted
Schenectady H. last time and owns three wins at Belmont and four over off
tracks. The late-running mare owns good tactical speed and may be in position to
capitalize if our top choice falters.

SENSIBLY CHIC (Distorted Humor) utilized a strong turn of foot to capture the
Vagrancy H. (G2) three starts back over the track and distance, but the
five-year-old mare has regressed some off that performance in her last two
starts. She can handle wet conditions and must be respected on Sunday, but we’re
going to try to beat her.

BANK AUDIT (Wild Rush) hasn’t been much of a factor in her recent starts and
is unplaced from two previous attempts over off tracks. She could prove
vulnerable in this spot. LILAH (Defrere) owns some early foot, but she’s winless
on wet tracks and isn’t doing good enough presently for us to recommend her
chances.