BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
JULY 31, 2009
by Albie Johnson
Final week of the spring/summer meet at Belmont is now history as is the annual
migration to Saratoga that began several weeks ago, and the 36-day session there
got underway on Wednesday. Racing will resume at Belmont on Friday, September 11,
with the fall championship meet.
Saturday’s feature and the only graded stakes during “getaway” week was the
Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), which is now held at the distance of 1 1/4 miles after NYRA
shortened it up from 12 furlongs several years ago. With the absence of Rachel
Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro), who’ll face off against colts again in this Sunday’s Haskell (G1) at
Monmouth, a field of eight three-year-old fillies faced the starter in the
$300,000 CCA. Well traveled and balanced group was headed by Livin Lovin (Birdstone), who had won the Tempted
(G3) last season and was making her second start
of the year following a troubled trip in the Acorn (G1) to begin her sophomore
campaign.
Race had a moderate pace for the first half (:47.11), with only about six
lengths separating the the octet, and began to pick up noticeably midway through
the turn. Livin Lovin,who had saved ground through out, swung out turning for
home and was in a perfect spot if good enough. Meanwhile, FUNNY MOON (Malibu
Moon) who had trailed early, launched a strong bid racing five-wide at the top of
the stretch, and after catching up to the field just past the eighth pole, drove
clear late to defeat state-bred Don’t Forget Gill (Kafwain) by a hard fought
“neck.” Lightly raced winner is in the barn of Chris Clement, who had an
outstanding meet here, and was ridden by Alan Garcia, whose headed north to
defend the riding title he won last year at Saratoga.
The Alabama (G1) would seem a likely target for Funny Moon’s next appearance.
Of the also-rans, Livin Lovin seemed just a work or two, or a race shy, of her
best and certainly could do just that the next time she competes.
On Wednesday, the state-bred filly MINERALOGIST (Mineshaft), who was making
her second start, left a very favorable impression. Juvenile runner had been
rumored to be something special before her debut and was heavily backed in that race on June 24. Unfortunately she had to “check” sharply at the
break and wasn’t asked to do much after that incident.
In this spot, she broke sharply, assumed command just before the top of the
stretch, and drew away under pressure to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Final time for the 5
1/2-furlong maiden contest was 1:04.78. Rather large filly should improve as she
gets more experience and the distances increase.
Congratulations to both trainer Gary Contessa and jockey Ramon Dominguez, who
in winning their respective titles at the recent meet were
able to repeat what they had accomplished during the long winter session at Aqueduct.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (7/22)
2ND — RECOLLECT (El Prado [Ire]), who has had some problems in several of
her starts, did so again today. In this spot, she had to steady in the early
going and was relegated to last in the seven horse field before making a nice
late rally to finish third. Lightly raced, she has room for “upside” and
could still yet prove to be a useful runner. Maiden may appreciate a nine furlong
contest on the “Spa” lawn.
Thursday (7/23)
5TH — Dropping into a maiden-claimer for the first time, COUGH DROP (Lemon
Drop Kid) was a bit hard to settle early in this 1 1/16-mile contest and put in
a good effort from the half home to finish a non-threatening third.
Lightly raced, he may need just a bit weaker to get his picture taken.
Friday (7/24)
1ST — Veteran ROGUE AGENT (Anjiz), who was back with trainer Pete Walder off
a half-year layoff, had a very difficult trip in a small field in this spot. He
had to steady early and late, and while in-between was blocked behind the
rest of the field turning for home. Gelding checked home second, beaten
a half-length. He was a very unlucky loser.
Sunday (7/26)
9TH — Making her turf debut, LOFTY (Sky Mesa) ran a much improved race,
making a strong rally while racing wide in this maiden turf sprint, and after
reaching a short lead late, was beaten in the last few strides by a big drop-down
runner. Filly in the barn of “Hall of Famer” H. Allen Jerkens shouldn’t be a
maiden for long.
Upcoming Saratoga Stakes
Friday’s feature is the Lake George (G2) for three-year-old fillies at 1 1/16
miles on the turf.
On Saturday, the Diana (G1) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/8 grassy miles
will share the spotlight with the Jim Dandy (G2) for sophomores going 1 1/8
miles on the main track.
On Sunday, the Go for Wand H. (G1), one of two premiere events for fillies
and mares, will take place at 1 1/8 miles, and the Fourstardave H. (G2), a 1
1/16-mile turf test for three-year-olds and up, will also be offered.
Monday’s feature is the Amsterdam (G2) for three-year-olds at 6 1/2 furlongs.
Have a Nice Week!!