AMERICAN
GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
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RUFFIAN H. (G1), 4TH-BEL, $300,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/16M, 2:35 P.M. EDT, 9-12 |
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| 1 |
SWIFT TEMPER, 5, m, by Giant’s CausewayGlasgow’s Gold, by Seeking the Gold O-Stanley Mark; B-Richard Nip & Omar Trevino (Ky) |
| 2 |
BE FAIR, 3, f, by Exchange RateGo Donna Go, by Wild Again O-Westrock Stables; B-Milan Kosanovich (Fl) |
| 3 |
EXOTIC INDY, 4, f, by A.P. IndyExing (Chi), by Exceller O-Forster, Hawley, Desimone, Weber; B-Jayeff B Stables, Denali Stud & Partners (Ky) |
| 4 |
SEVENTH STREET, 4, f, by Street Cry (Ire)Holiday Runner, by Meadowlake O-Godolphin Stable; B-Barberino Steve (Ky) |
| 5 |
LUNA VEGA, 4, f, by Malibu MoonDonnavega, by Rock Royalty O-Millenium Farms; B-Marshall Thoroughbreds (Ky) |
| 6 |
SKYLIGHTER, 4, f, by Sky MesaPainted Lady, by Broad Brush O-Darley Stable; B-Stonerside Stable (Ky) |
Dual Grade 1 heroine SEVENTH STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) is the top draw in
Saturday’s $300,000 Ruffian H. (G1) at Belmont Park, and we can’t see the
Godolphin filly getting beat in here. The chestnut four-year-old has excellent
early speed but doesn’t need the lead, and regardless of how this race turns out early,
it’s more than feasible to expect a dream trip for the Kentucky-bred under Rajiv
Maragh. The 1 1/16-mile distance is perfect for the Saeed bin Suroor trainee.
Molly Pitcher S. (G2) victress LUNA VEGA (Malibu Moon) has rolled to wins in
three of her last four starts for conditioner Steve Asmussen, but her lone loss
in that span was to our top pick in the Go For Wand H. (G1). This field in much
less than that one, and the way this chestnut toppled a solid filly last out
gives us the impression that she will complete the exacta under Shaun
Bridgmohan.
Darley’s SKYLIGHTER (Sky Mesa) is a two-time Grade 2 vixen on dirt and forms
a formidable entry with our top pick. Now under the care of Graham Motion, the
four-year-old filly endured trouble in the grassy De La Rose S. last out but
should be much more dangerous back on her preferred surface in this one-turn
affair. The bay broke her maiden and followed that up with a solid allowance win
in her two tries over Big Sandy.
Sophomore BE FAIR (Exchange Rate) shouldn’t lack fitness in her 10th start of
2009 for D. Wayne Lukas. The Grade 3 heroine has faced solid competition
throughout the year with modest results, and while we like the switch to Garrett
Gomez, we can’t see the likely pacesetter doing more than hanging on for a minor
share late while never threatening the winner.
Omnibus S. queen EXOTIC INDY (A.P. Indy) has reeled off BRIS Speed numbers of
93, 90 and 96 in her last three tries and steps up the class ladder on this day
for Grant Forster. The much-improved four-year-old still appears to be slower
than most of these, but that doesn’t mean she can’t rally for a small share at a
fair price.
Delaware H. (G2) winner SWIFT TEMPER (Giant’s Causeway) was a distant
second in the Personal Ensign S. (G1) and cuts back to this one-turn distance
for Dale Romans. The chestnut mare has reached new heights this campaign and is
in good form, but we’ve always viewed her more as a stayer or a grinder, and we
will play against her in this 8 1/2-furlong endeavor. Alan Garcia will guide the
likely second choice.