BELMONT NOTEBOOK
JULY 5, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
The New York Racing Association began its Fourth of July holiday weekend on
Saturday by carding the Suburban H. (G1) for older runners at 1 1/4 miles
in addition to the New York H. (G2) for fillies and mares at the same
distance on turf.
And, with the weatherman finally cooperating, a crowd of 13,184 racing
enthusiasts turned out under clear skies with the temperature hovering around
the 80 degree mark to witness the 10-race card.
On paper, WEND (Pulpit) figured to be the controlling speed breaking from the
rail in the grassy New York. However, after an eventful start, the
projected front runner found herself trailing the field behind a very pedestrian
pace. Under regular pilot Jerry Bailey, the duo moved to contend for the lead
after six furlongs had been completed, and proceeded to secure a very tenuous
lead upon entering the stretch. The duo then braced for the late challenge of
both Wonder Again (Silver Hawk) and Film Maker (Dynaformer), whose closing kick
had been severely impacted by the rather dawdling fractions on the front end.
Wend demonstrated she was up to the task as she held gamely to fend off Wonder
Again by a neck, in addition to a late-charging Film Maker, who was another neck
farther back in third.
Needless to say, this marathon turf contest was a strangely run race, as
nobody could have figured that Wend would be coming from last place to win. The
second- and third-place finishers were obviously compromised as well in this paceless event, as the race was virtually reduced to a sprint, with the final
quarter mile run in a swift 23.04 seconds.
Wend, a Claiborne Farms homebred, has yet to taste defeat since placed on
the grass by trainer Bill Mott. The winner, who suffered a cut lip on her way
to the gate, did not let that serve as a deterrent as she registered her initial
victory beyond nine furlongs along with her first graded stakes success. She may
be seen next under silks in the Diana H. (G1) at Saratoga or in the
Beverly D. (G1) at Arlington Park in August.
This year’s renewal of the Suburban came up a tad weak as there was
not one runner could boast a Grade 1 win in 2005. The recent retirements of Ghostzapper and Eddington in recent days due to injuries have depleted the
handicap ranks, and we now to wait for a new leader to emerge. Pollard’s Vision
(Carson City) and Funny Cide (Distorted Humor) served as co-favorites in the
Suburban, but neither would be able get the job done. Instead, it was OFFLEE
WILD (Wild Again), rebounding from an abysmal showing over a sloppy track at
Pimlico to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
Trained by Juan Rodriguez, who is filling in
quite capably for a suspended Richard Dutrow Jr., Offlee Wild rallied to gain
the lead from the beleaguered pacesetter around the far turn, and would not
relinquish that advantage while maintaining a safe margin to the wire. Tap Day
(Pleasant Day) closed belatedly to take down the place, as Pollard’s Vision, who
rallied in company with the winner, could not keep pace with that rival,
weakening slightly in deep stretch under pressure.
Watching Funny Cide finish a non-descript sixth in the Suburban while racing
on his wrong lead in the stretch clearly demonstrates that he is merely a shell
of his former self, and it was truly a sorry sight to witness. The thought of
trying this former Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) hero on grass
hinted that something is amiss with the five-year-old gelding, and his effort on
Saturday gives credence to that statement. His connections need to sit down and
do what’s right by him as his glory days appear to be a thing of the past.
Dual stakes action was the order of the day on Sunday as well with the
Astoria S. and the Poker H. (G3) taking center stage. The Astoria, a 5 1/2
furlong sprint for juvenile fillies, featured the return of ADIEU (El Corredor),
who had not been seen under silks since a convincing daylight victory at
Keeneland this spring. This $300,000 two-year-old purchase failed to exhibit any
rustiness as she left the gate running from her rail post. The pacesetter was
quickly joined on the lead by Folklore (Tiznow), who matched strides with the
3-2 favorite until midstretch. At that point, Adieu said her goodbyes to her
pace nemesis, slowly edging away to a 1 1/4 length victory despite racing on her
left lead. Folklore held the place, finishing 1 1/4 lengths in front of Wonder
Lady Anne L (Real Quiet) who finished evenly late. Blissful Trip (Trippi) chased
the pacesetters along the inside early on, but gave way very badly in the
stretch in a disappointing effort.
One of the more interesting stakes races of the Belmont meet is the Poker, at
a flat mile over the Widener Turf. The race is usually exciting to watch, and
this year’s renewal proved to be no different as MR. LIGHT (Arg) (Numerous)
rallied strongly from well off the pace to register a hard-fought neck victory. L’Oiseau d’Argent (Silver Hawk) cut out a sprightly pace on the front end,
covering the first six furlongs in a rapid 1.08.17. The frontrunner was
surrounded as he turned for home, as his early exploits began to take their
toll. Mr. Light joined the leaders from the outside in midstretch to gain a
slight advantage, and then held gamely to withstand a strong but belated rally
from Willard Straight (Lion Cavern). The runner-up settled well behind the
lively fractions racing down the backstretch, but simply was left with too much
to do in the stretch while finishing strongly to lose by neck. Remind (Deputy
Minister) raced within striking distance while losing ground early on, and then
lacked the necessary punch in the stretch when called upon.
On the Fourth of July holiday, the fireworks were provided courtesy of HENNY
HUGHES (Hennessy), who humiliated five rivals to win by 15 lengths in the
Tremont S. for two-year-olds. The lone anxious moment in the race for the
Patrick Biancone-trained runner came shortly after the start when he stumbled
leaving the gate. However, he quickly overcame that incident to contend for the
early lead and then proceeded to run away and hide from his opposition. Short
Circuit (Lemon Drop Kid) was another area code back in second as Caleb Pond (El
Corredor), who tried in vain to keep up with the winner on the lead, ultimately
proved no match for that rival and finished a well-beaten third.
The dazzling performance by Henny Hughes probably have his connections
thinking about the juvenile stakes races later this summer at Saratoga. However,
in both starts thus far, Henny Hughes has not come away smoothly from the gate,
and that problem must be addressed and remedied if he is to be successful among
Grade 1 competition in his career.
Monday’s featured event, the Dwyer S. (G2) for three-year-olds at
1 1/16 miles, featured the return of ROMAN RULER (Fusaichi Pegasus) to
competition. This once highly regarded runner has been beset by persistent foot
problems in 2005, which prohibited from exhibiting his best form for trainer Bob
Baffert. However, those issues may be behind him now, as he returned to his
winning ways with a smart come-from-behind victory under jockey Jerry Bailey.
The early trailer in the field of six runners, Roman Ruler settled nicely under
a rating hold racing down the backstretch. When given his cue by Bailey around
the far turn, he accelerated and joined the leaders approaching the stretch.
From that point on, the West Coast invader was able to outkick a gritty Flower
Alley (Distorted Humor) to the wire to score by a half-length. The runner-up,
unsighted since a troubled ninth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, was
game in defeat. He raced four wide virtually the entire way and finished
strongly in his first effort in nearly two months. Proud Accolade (Yes It’s
True) raced within striking distance of the pacesetters and then outlasted the
others to finish third.
Immediate plans for Roman Ruler’s next race are up in the air. However, his
connections did not rule out a meeting with the division leader, Afleet Alex
(Northern Afleet) down the road.
There did not appear to be a significant running style bias until Saturday on
the main track, when speed did exceptionally well. The track appeared to return
to normal on Sunday, and remained that way on Monday as well. There were no
discernible path biases all week. The grass courses played to closers to begin
the week, but then played quite uniformly as the week wore on.
Edgar Prado owns a 19 win lead over Eibar Coa in the race for leading
rider. Richard Migliore and John Velazquez are in a deadheat for the third spot,
with Javier Castellano completing the top five.
Mott padded his lead last week and has a three victory edge over Todd Pletcher, who is starting to heat up. Mike Hushion and Christophe Clement are
deadlocked for third place as Juan Rodriguez, deputizing for the suspended
Richard Dutrow Jr., completes the top five.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (6/29)
5TH – ROSIE’S BIG BOY (Cryptoclearance) was a useful third-place finish returning
to the main track off the bench. Stalked a very lively pace and lacked the
necessary response when called upon in a race that was quick throughout.
Projects to move forward in second start off a layoff.
6TH – PRAIA DA PIPA (Dynaformer) clearly was not disgraced in her first
effort against winners off a freshening. Set a pestered pace over a course
playing favorably to closers. Has run well from off the pace and is in the hands
of a top turf trainer in Bill Mott.
Thursday (6/30)
4TH – WAMPUM (Two Punch) showed a much-improved effort in her second start. Overcame a
bumping incident at the break to track a hot pace and finished with good energy
chasing home a decisive first out winner. Bred for a sprint and to win early in
her career.
5TH – STELLAR MAIDEN (Raffie’s Majesty) was a sharp second in first start against
winners. Held gamely stalking a wire-to-wire winner in a race that was fast
throughout. Has fine tactical speed and has run well over the Belmont Park main
track in all three career efforts.
9TH – DRINKWATER (Joyeux Danseur) appeared clearly a tad short off the bench returning
to Belmont. Chased a loose frontrunner dictating a lively pace and held
reasonably well in a much-needed effort. Should have derived beneficial
conditioning from this effort and may revert to rating tactics in subsequent
starts.
Friday (7/1)
2ND – SECOND IN COMMAND (Silver Deputy) finished a strong second switching to a dirt sprint
in his Belmont Park main track debut. Held the place after setting a pressured
pace in a race that quickened late. Fits well at this current level of
competition.
3RD – PARKHIMONBROADWAY (Ecton Park) recieved a good education race in his debut effort.
Hampered by a slow start and a lack of experience. Finished with good energy
late. Projects to move forward off this effort. His sire was a Grade 1 winner on
dirt, while his dam excelled over grass. Bred to improve with distance.
7TH – CLARKSBURG QUEEN (Sea of Secrets) has continued to drop seeking proper
level. Improved third switching to a dirt sprint. Compromised by a slow pace
carved out by an odds-on frontrunning winner. All three career wins have come
over this course, and would benefit from softer competition and a middle
distance of ground.
Saturday (7/2)
2ND – INGOT (Seeking the Gold) ran into a monster in his first start against
winners. Dueled head and head for the lead with this daylight winner in an
excruciatingly fast race, but was simply no match for this rival in the stretch.
10TH – CHILI CAT (Storm Cat) was a useful third in her debut effort. Finished with
good energy late despite an obvious lack of seasoning in a race that graded out
to be faster than par for the class level. Might be seen next at Saratoga.
Sunday (7/3)
2ND – COUTH (Polish Numbers) came home a good second in his debut effort. Offered a wide and
sustained run while improving his position in the stretch while lugging in a
bit. Bred for a sprint and to win early in his career.
8TH – REMIND (Deputy Minister) crossed the wire an improved third over a much firmer turf. Chased
an ultra-quick pace and finished with interest late in his Belmont Park
unveiling. Has versatile running styles and does not have carry his track with
him.
Monday (7/4)
6TH – COSMONAUT (Lemon Drop Kid) suffered a heartbreaking second-place finish stretching
out to a route of ground in his turf debut. Stalked a fast pace prior to
assuming a tenuous lead in the stretch and was then outfinished by a more
experienced rival late. His dam won her turf debut, and he should have derived
beneficial conditioning and experience from his initial grass outing.
8TH – PROUD ACCOLADE (Yes It’s True) was an improved third stretching out to
1 1/16 miles.
Chased a lively early pace and then finished with interest to gain the show in a
race that was extremely fast. Can continue current level of forward progress by
getting some much-needed class relief and cutting back in distance to a flat
mile.