BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
JUNE 27, 2010
by Albie Johnson
Only one graded contest to report on as a field of five older fillies and
mares took to the inner turf for the $150,000 New York S. (G2) over 1 1/4 miles. Race was headed by the up-and-coming LADY SHAKESPEARE
(Theatrical [Ire]), who was already making her fourth start of this season, and the
returning Gozzip Girl (Dynaformer), winner of the American Oaks (G1) at
Hollywood Park last summer and third in the Queen Elizabeth II S. (G1) at
Keeneland in her final start of 2009.
Race changed dramatically at the start when Gozzip Girl took a bad stumble
and unseated jockey Ramon Dominguez at the break, leaving Daveron (Ger) (Black Sam Bellamy) with an uncontested lead which she would hold
until early stretch when the other three runners all made serious bids for the
win. Lady Shakespeare proved best as both Changing Skies (Ire) (Sadler’s
Wells) and Ave (GB) (Danehill Dancer) held winning positions late but
were unable to kick with the winner in the last furlong. The winner drew clear
by 2
3/4 lengths on the wire, with Changing Skies a
length better than Ave and Daveron another 1 1/2 lengths back in fourth.
The winner has improved since being freshened over the winter and was coming off an impressive win in the Bewitch (G3) at
Keeneland in her previous start.
Bill Mott, who is enjoying a great year, saddled the winner, who was bred in
Kentucky by owner Charles Fipke.
As a side note, neither Gozzip Girl nor jockey Dominguez were injured in the
incident soon after the start and that’s always good news in a sport where many miscues wind up in some sort of injury.
Earlier on the card, AIKENITE (Yes It’s True ) got some serious
class relief and was an impressive winner of an entry-level allowance after
competing against the best in his age group, making eight straight starts versus graded
competition following his debut maiden win last August at Saratoga.
The Todd Pletcher-trained sophomore colt seems to thrive on racing and may yet win
a big one as the year progresses.
On Sunday, a small field of five state-bred sophomores went to the post in the
Mike Lee S.. and a budding star may have emerged as FRIEND OR FOE
(Friend’s Lake) ran his record to three for three, drawing away late over a
pair of talented runners in General Maximus (Freud) and Ibboyee (Medaloist).
The homebred colt tracked a solid pace, bid when asked, and drew away late to stop the
clock in a swift 1:21.68 for the seven panels. Trainer John Kimmel said
afterward that he would point the improving colt toward the
Travers (G1) at Saratoga later this summer.
Track conditions
Fast and firm on all five days of racing with the main-track favoring speed
and both turf courses playing fairly.
The Leader Board
Gary Contessa and Todd Pletcher ended the week tied atop the
trainer’s standings with 14 wins apiece, with Rudy Rodriquez in third with 12. Bill Mott and Steve Asmussen
were tied for fourth with 11 markers.
In the jockey’s race, Ramon Dominguez was three better (38 to 35) than Javier
Castellano, with Cornelio Velasquez a close-up third with 31 victories.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (6/16)
3RD — Making his first start in just over a year, DESERT KEY (E Dubai)
finished a solid pace-pressing second in a strong effort off the
bench. He had a lot of promise at one time, finishing second in both the King’s
Bishop (G1) and Amsterdam (G2) back in the summer of 2008 at Saratoga. If he
comes back without needing more time, he should win next out.
6TH — Strong race by the debuting ANTRIM SHIELD (Giant’s Causeway) as he
raced close-up early, dropped back on the turn and re-rallied late to finish
third in a good-looking first outing. Colt was a $1 million buy back by his
breeder Green Hills Farm and is with a good barn (Christophe Clement).
Thursday (6/17)
4TH — Sold in February for $130,000, LET’S GET FISCAL (Bandini) paid
immediate dividends in her debut as she was heavily bet at the windows and
proved an easy winner. After pressing a solid pace, the dark bay juvenile drew away to a 5
1/2-length win, posting a fast time of :57.79 for the five furlongs. Should be stakes-bound next
out.
6TH — After finishing second in her debut on May 21, SILK ROUTE (Empire Maker)
was stretched-out in distance a bit by Mott and the Juddmonte homebred rallied from
dead-last in this field of nicely-bred fillies to win rather handily despite
having some traffic woes on the far turn. She would appear to have a bright
future.
Friday (6/18)
2ND — Nice debut by BROTHER IN ARMS (Yes It’s True), who showed a lot
of grit to rally for the place spot while being forced to race wide the entire
contest. Not many “firsters” can pass other runners, so this second-place finish was
a solid effort from the juvenile colt.
Have a nice week!!