BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
JULY 24, 2009
by Albie Johnson
Racing here will be entering its final week before the action shifts
northward to Saratoga Springs and the start of their stakes laden six week
session that begins on Wednesday, July 29.
The previous week on Long Island was highlighted by the Jaipur (G3) , an
impressive debut by a two-year-old filly, and a winning effort by a seasoned
stakes veteran.
A field of five, reduced by a trio of late scratches, went to the post in the
six-furlong Jaipur which was contested on the main turf course. Race turned into
a virtual “match race” with multiple Grade 3 winner Heros Reward (Partner’s
Hero) and recent claim SILVER TIMBER (Prime Timber) hooking up from the start.
Pace was fast and hotly contested with the former positioned on the hedge and
the latter applying the pressured directly to his outside. The duel continued to
midstretch with Silver Timber edging clear at that point and moving off to score
by 1 1/2 lengths while Heros Reward was able to just hold on to the place spot.
The final time was a swift 1:07.60. Claimed for $25,000 two starts earlier, the
six-year-old was very sharp off a two-month freshening from trainer Chad Brown.
Earlier in the week, trainer Todd Pletcher unveiled a sharp looking juvenile
filly in UNION WATERS (Dixie Union). Owned and bred by Edward P. Evans, she
broke in stride, was involved in an early pace fight and after disposing of her
front-end rival, she drew off to a four-length score in the five-furlong
contest. Considering the final time of :58.47 and the ease of victory, she’s
likely headed directly into a stakes at Saratoga.
The following day, veteran Grade 2 hero TAM LIN (GB) (Selkirk) returned to
the winner’s circle as his connections picked a nice spot in this “overnight”
stakes after he had a steady diet of graded stakes in which he had performed
well. Owned by Godolphin and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the world traveler was
put on the lead in this spot, doled out slow early fractions and held the length
through the stretch over the game Pick Six (Dynaformer), who chased from the
opening bell and came up three-quarters of a length short. Tam Lin has numerous
opportunities at Saratoga in which to make his next appearance.
Track conditions
Fast and firm was the order of the day for all five programs with both
courses showing a slight favoring to those racing either on the lead or just off
of it.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday ( 7/15)
1ST — The beautifully-bred FOREST TRAIL (Forest Wildcat), who has recorded
several stakes placings, found this entry level allowance group to her liking as
she picked up win number two by going wire to wire in this 1 1/16-mile contest
on the inner-turf course. She appears to be a step below a graded stakes
performer, but numerous “overnight” opportunities await at the Spa.
4TH — Making her career debut, DATT ECHO (Stormy Atlantic) chased the above
mentioned Union Waters and applied heavy pressure before tiring and “drifting
out” in the last furlong. The $360,000 yearling purchase shouldn’t be long in
breaking her maiden.
Thursday (7/16)
8TH — PEGASUS TOMMY D (Gold Fever) raced well back early, made a strong move
racing five-six paths wide on the turn, and finished third, beaten only a
half-length. He lost far more real estate than he was defeated. Two-turn contest
at the Spa is in his future.
Friday (7/17)
6TH — Making her second start and first off a seven-week freshening,
PLATINUM (Mineshaft) was an impressive winner in this spot. Peter Blum homebred
had a slight “steady” early, moved up into a three-way pace battle, disposed of
her rivals turning for home and drew off to a five-length win in the six-furlong
contest. Jimmy Jerkens appears to have a talented filly in his hands.
Saturday (7/18)
4TH — Making his first start off a Scott Lake claim, DIGGER (Yonaguska)
continued his streak of strong races, stalking early, bidding on the turn, and
after drawing clear holding sway late. Wonderful high-priced claimer always
gives his all and ran his overall record to 11 for 27.
Racing Notes
Heading into the final week of the Belmont meet, jockey Ramon Dominguez is
assured of the riding title, leading his nearest challenger (Rajiv Maragh) by a
wide margin
The trainers race has Gary Contessa leading Chris Clement 23 to 20, with the
former starting nearly 120 more runners.
Upcoming
On Saturday, the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) for sophomore fillies will
be held at 1 1/4 miles.
Have a nice Week!!