BELMONT NOTEBOOK
MAY 30, 2014
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded stakes highlighted the Holiday Weekend of racing at Belmont
Park.
Sheepshead Bay S. (G2): Juddmonte Farms’ homebred RIPOSTE (Dansili)
grabbed the lead out of the gate from her rail slot and was never headed in
securing a 1 3/4-length victory under the guidance of Joel Rosario. Closely
related to the incomparable Frankel, the well-bred Bill Mott trainee handled the
yielding turf with relative ease in clocking 1 3/8 miles in 2:18 4/5.
Poker S. (G3): Gary Barber’s JACK MILTON (War Front) swept to the lead
nearing midstretch and poured it on inside the final furlong to take down this
field by 2 3/4 lengths under Javier Castellano. The Todd Pletcher charge
negotiated one mile on the firm grass in a swift 1:33.
Track Stats
A total of 56 races were held at the Elmont, New York venue, with favorites
winning at a 41 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 64
percent of the wins during the week. From 32 races on the main oval, eight
animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (25 percent). Seven of the 24 races on the
lawn were taken all the way on the front end (29 percent).
The main oval appeared to be playing fairly; speed didn’t appear to have a
significant edge on any afternoon during the six-day race week.
Speed on the lawn was very good, especially when the turf has some moisture
in it. Of the seven who led at every call on the weeds, six came in route
events, with four of those on the inner turf course.
The bettors once again did well this week, with top choices coming home at a
41 percent rate. This is a continuing trend at this venue.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 190 | |
| TURF: | 64 | |
| DIRT: | 126 | |
| FAVORITES: | 77 (40 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 43 (23 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 13 (20 percent) | |
| DIRT WIRE: | 31 (25 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/21)
4TH — INVADING HUMOR (Invasor) broke poorly from the rail post, but got into
a good position and stayed on well to be a good third in her seasonal debut
under Irad Ortiz Jr. The Bruce Levine trainee should be a lot more fit next
time, and surely worth a look.
5TH — SIMPLY SPECTACULAR (Bernstein) ranged into contention nearing the top
of the lane and wore down a clear leader late in posting this upset for
conditioner Michael Wilson. The four-year-old filly beat a potentially decent
field and should be a factor right back with winners with any type of forward
move.
8TH — FILIMBI (Mizzen Mast) edged to the front in early stretch and kept a
nice one at bay late in posting an easier-than-it-looked tally for conditioner
Bill Mott. The Juddmonte homebred is out of sensational mare and could be a nice
one with further improvement.
Thursday (5/22)
8TH — FRONT (War Front) picked up his second win since returning from the
layoff for trainer Jimmy Jerkens, working hard but getting up late in a fine
tally. The capable four-year-old colt has very good speed and stays on, showing
good patience beneath Rajiv Maragh.
Friday (5/23)
7TH — YOU’RE THE BOSS (Royal Applause) had little chance with the easy
winner in this turf dash but the Euro import was solid in second throughout, and
should only be tougher next time in his second run in the U.S.
REDACT (Strategic Prince), also making his U.S. bow for trainer Hugh McMahon,
was a nice third behind the sharp winner and easily has room for improvement
having one under his belt in 2014.
Saturday (5/24)
4TH — BIO PRO (War Front) returns to this list after another strong showing
since coming to the East Coast for Mott. The Kentucky-bred took command early
and never looked back in posting a facile grassy score under Joel Rosario. Watch
for the six-year-old gelding to try stakes foes next time, or in the very near
future.
10TH — FROST JORDAN (Frost Giant) posted a lifetime best Speed number and a
102 BRIS Late Pace figure in rolling by this field late under Maragh. The Mike
Hushion pupil has been showing nice improvement and will likely be very tough
with any kind of forward move in his subsequent outing.
Sunday (5/25)
1ST — TIZ DARK (Tiznow) made short work of his foes in this opener, and we
loved the way this big favorite came home in :30 2/5 under little encouragement
for Todd Pletcher. The sophomore colt has always looked like a useful prospect
and might evolve into a nice race horse with further development.
Monday (5/26)
2ND — RED VELVET (City Zip) sped out of the gate to take early control and
this fleet filly was never challenged en route to a 5 3/4-length romp under Irad
Ortiz, Jr. The three-year-old miss is especially swift and could evolve into a
graded stakes type in the very near future.
A Look Ahead
Saturday is Big Apple Showcase day for New York-breds as Belmont takes a
one-week hiatus from graded stakes.