BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
OCTOBER 23, 2009
by Albie Johnson
Last weekend’s stakes — the Athenia (G3) and Knickerbocker (G3) — were
re-scheduled for this week on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, due to heavy
rains that descended on Belmont Friday morning and forced the cancellation of all
turf racing over a three-day period.
Racing was conducted here for only four days this past week due to a Columbus
Day card on Monday. Even without any graded events, there were some interesting races and fine
performances worth noting.
Thursday’s card produced a nice debut winner in SEIS DE MAYO (Dixieland Band),
who tracked the early pace in the off going, moved up to engage the
heavily-favored leader turning for home and proved easily best to win by 3 1/4
lengths.
On Friday, the Nick Zito-trained V SAT (Vindication) was impressive in his
maiden win as he broke sharply, set fast fractions and drew clear to win by 2
3/4 lengths. The Bob Lapenta-owned juvenile colt stopped the clock in :57.61 for the
five-furlong contest.
One race later, CUFF ME (Officer) put on the best performance of the week in
winning this state-bred entry-level allowance. She had impressed in her maiden
win this past June and was even better in this come-backer. She broke running
from the rail, but was eased back and out to let another set the pace. Taking
over without urging, the lass glided home over the sloppy, sealed surface to
win by 13 1/4 lengths in 1:10.27. She did it with such ease that I think she can beat open foes down the road.
On Saturday’s stake-less card, the Zito-trained BIKER BOY (Came Home) made
his second start back off a lengthy layoff a winning one as he captured this
mile allowance/optional claimer by rating early, taking over when ready and
holding sway under some pressure to report home by 1 3/4 lengths. The bay colt ran
his record to 5-1-1 from eight starts, and he showed some quality last spring when finishing
close up in the Carter S. (G1).
TRACK STATS
The abbreviated week began on Thursday, with
the main-track listed as good and sealed and the turf firm. There was no grass
racing for the last three cards, and the main track was sloppy and sealed on
Friday and Sunday. The Saturday program began with a muddy surface that
was upgraded to good later in the card.
The track played fairly with a nice mix on
each day, except for Sunday when the winners mostly came from outside posts and paths.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (10/15)
2ND — Making his debut in this spot, ALLTIFFEDOFF (Strategic Mission) raced within
range on the firm turf and stayed on well while not offering a strong late rally
to finish fifth of 10. The Pat Reynolds-trained juvenile
attracted Ramon Dominguez for his unveiling and should move forward next out.
6TH — FLYING VALENTINE (Lion Heart) set the early pace before being passed
by Seis de Mayo. Although no match
late, he was more than six lengths clear of the third-place finisher.
Friday (10/16)
2ND — Nice debut by QUAY LIME GUY (Limehouse) as he chased the pace of V
Sat and never stopped trying. The juvenile colt was beaten 2 3/4 lengths on the sloppy, sealed surface but was an even dozen clear of the show runner.
Purchased earlier this year for $150,000, he shouldn’t be long in breaking his
maiden.
5TH — Making his second start, HOPEFUL BOY (Strong Hope) had a very
rough start, being bumped and forced to check, and raced evenly once away. In
his debut he faced the talented Aspire (Tale of the Cat), who would go on to
place in both the Hopeful S. (G1) and Champagne S. (G1), and may have more
talent than he’s shown.
Saturday (10/17)
2ND — Claimed at Del Mar by trainer Bruce Levine and brought east, SVEN
DIESEL (Harlan’s Holiday) tired in this spot in his first race on conventional
dirt. Racing within range early, he leveled off in midstretch and should improve
next out.
UPCOMING STAKES
This Saturday, which is the final one of the Fall Championship meet, is New York Showcase Day,
but not all of the seven stakes for New York-breds will take place on that day.
The New York Racing Association has decided to once again reschedule the turf
races due to the influx of wet weather. Therefore, the five dirt stakes, headed by the
$250,000 Empire Classic, will take place on Saturday, while the $150,000 Mohawk
and $150,000 Ticonderoga on grass will go off Sunday.
Have a nice week!