BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
JUNE 26, 2009
by Albie Johnson
More rain and several days of “off the turf” racing forced Saturday’s
featured event, the New York S. (G3), to be forced to the main track by
midcard, leading to a total of five late scratches that reduced the field
to that same number of starters.
With very little dirt form on view, the crowd settled on multiple Grade 2
winner Criticism (GB) (Machiavellian), who had never raced on conventional dirt, as the post-time
favorite. Mare had not finished worse than third in six North American starts, all of which
were on the turf. As is her style, she established a comfortable early lead and
set sensible fractions for the 1 1/8-mile contest. Midway through the far
turn it became evident that the only runner making up any ground was ICON
PROJECT (Empire Maker), who ranged up on the outside and went by the rest of the
small field in the span of two furlongs, widening away to a final margin of 13
1/4 lengths. Criticism held her ground for the place with the remainder of the
field strung
out and struggling home.
Winner had trained well on the Calder dirt for Marty Wolfson and relished the
muddy going in her first race ever on dirt. Jose Valdivia had a
rather easy ride and filly was virtually “eased up” at the finish. Lightly raced
four-year-old had shown some talent in Europe and now has many options available to her.
On Sunday, another day when the track was “off” and there was no turf
racing, Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraille Court) made her seasonal debut in an
“overnight” stakes. Mare was a stakes winner in her native Chile, won major
races in Dubai, and proved to be one of the best in her division last year in the
United States, winning three Grade 1s, including the Beldame (G1) at Belmont last September on a sloppy track. Heavily favored in this spot, she faced only three opponents
who didn’t have the credentials for a possible upset. However, the long layoff and
the off going combined to defeat her as she offered no response when called upon
heading for home. Winner was the beautifully-bred WITH FLYING COLORS (A.P. Indy), a filly from the Phipps’ operation
that is trained by “Shug” McGaughey.
As for Cocoa Beach, she raced like a runner badly in need of the comeback
race and will look to redeem herself next out.
Track Conditions
Lots of rain with turf racing conducted only on Wednesday. Main track played well to speed and stalkers and favored the inside posts in
most sprints, but outside slots had an edge in races at seven furlongs and
beyond over the “off” tracks.
HORSE TO WATCH
Wednesday (6/17)
3RD — Making his first start in almost two months, HALF A NOTE (Brahms)
had a rough time of it during the stretch run in a small field (six runners)
while racing in tight quarters and then being “bumped” nearing the
eighth pole. He continued gamely to finish third while deserving better.
7TH — In one of only few turf races conducted during the week, MARL
(Mizzen Mast) made a strong wide move (on the worst part of the course) and
finished well. Effort was solid under the circumstances.
Thursday (6/18)
2ND — Making only his second career start, WE GET IT (Officer) made a
left hand turn at the break, raced well when straightened away and held his
position until midstretch. Should do better next out.
Friday (6/19)
8TH — CARSON’S LEGACY (Carson City) lost all chance at the
start when he was “bumped” heavily. He raced within range but could offer “no
rally” once asked.
Sunday (6/21)
8TH — BRAVE TIN SOLDIER (Storm Cat) didn’t appear to like the “sloppy
and sealed” surface as he appeared to be “spinning his wheels” a bit around the
far turn and came up empty at that point. Has solid overseas credentials from
Dubai and will find a winning spot soon.
Upcoming
Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro) will highlight a short field in Saturday’s Mother Goose (G1)
for three-year-old fillies
at 1 1/8 miles. On Sunday, the First Flight H. (G2) for older fillies and mares
at seven furlongs will be offered.
Have A Nice Week!!