BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK
MAY 25, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
There was a time when the Peter Pan S. (G2) possessed a well-deserved
reputation as a “prep race” for the Belmont S. (G1). Trainers used the race for
their late blossoming three-year-olds who, for one reason or another, did not
participate in either the Kentucky Derby (G1) or Preakness S. (G1).
The Peter Pan could possibly regain some its lost stature if SUNRIVER (Saint
Ballado) competes in the grueling 1 1/2-mile Belmont and performs admirably. The
Todd Pletcher-trained runner took a significant step toward that end when he
closed determinedly in deep stretch to register a hard-earned neck victory.
Lewis Michael (Rahy), an Illinois invader, laid down tepid fractions on the
lead under jockey Mark Guidry. The pair had amassed a daylight lead by the time
they reached the eighth pole, and appeared to be home free, as Lewis Michael
showed no signs of letting up. With final furlong of the race run a shade faster
than 12 seconds, Sunriver continued his determined rally, eventually wearing the
pacesetter down within the shadow of the wire.
It was a tough defeat for the connections of the runner-up to swallow. Lewis
Michael had turned away challenges from Strong Contender (Maria’s Mon) and
Hesanoldsalt (Broad Brush) on the front end and seemed headed toward a certain
score until Sunriver snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Strong Contender
held on to finish third.
Plans for Sunriver have not been confirmed as of yet, although a start in the
Belmont seems reasonable, especially in light of the tragic incident that beset
Barbaro (Dynaformer) in the Preakness.
The Shuvee H. (G2) marked the return of Indian Vale (A.P. Indy) to the races.
And, as it turns out, we could have waited a little bit longer as the 3-5
betting choice stumbled a bit after the start and wound up finishing last.
Taking full advantage of the favorite’s misfortune, TAKE D’ TOUR (Tour d’Or)
immediately grabbed the lead and was never seriously challenged en route to
wiring the field. Allowed to set moderate fractions over a speed conducive
course, the David Fawkes-trained runner rated kindly on the lead for jockey
Cornelio Velasquez and eventually drew away to an insurmountable lead in the
stretch, winning by 5 1/2 lengths. Balletto (UAE) (Timber Country), making her
second start off a prolonged layoff, improved her position to be within striking
distance of the winner around the far turn. She basically could not match
strides with Take D’Tour as the winner accelerated, but finished well clear of
Smuggler (Unbridled), who took down the show. The third-place finisher raced in
the second flight of runners down the backstretch, but could keep pace when
asked for more run leaving the far turn. Despite the aforementioned incident
leaving the gate, Indian Vale was able to recover and stalked the early pace.
She continued to flash speed for a half-mile before giving way badly in a
disappointing effort.
Eibar Coa remains atop the jockey standings, with Edgar Prado securing sole
possession of the second spot last week. There is a four-way dead-heat for
third.
James Jerkens, Bruce Levine and Richard Dutrow Jr. are deadlocked for the top
spot in the trainer standings, with each having saddled seven winners so far
this meet.
The main track played evenly to begin the week and remained that way until
Sunday, when it played favorably to speed. No path bias was apparent last week on dirt. The lone bias on the Widener Turf occurred on Saturday, when off-the-pace
runners fared best.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/17)
2ND – PRAIRIE BOY (Forestry) recorded a much improved second-place finish
returning for a selling price in his Belmont Park debut. Closed well to get the
place behind a loose wire-to-wire winner. Looks poised to register his initial
career victory.
8TH – DYNERGY (Dynaformer) regressed badly off a career best effort (4/19).
Failed to exhibit the tactical speed of his most recent win and was not able to
accelerate in the stretch when called upon. Obviously is capable of much better
and has won over the Belmont Park surface in the past.
Thursday (5/18)
6TH – OUR FRIEND TIMMY (Stephen Got Even) carved out a very enterprising pace
stretching out to a flat mile. Squandered a daylight lead in the stretch and
tired to finish fourth. Needs her speed rationed a bit more judiciously in order
to get a middle distance of ground.
7TH – RACKETEER (Awesome Again) has been racing over his head of late and was
transferred to grass in his latest effort. Had no excuse in the stretch on the
drop when failing to accelerate when called upon. Both his sire and dam were at
their best over the main track.
Friday (5/19)
7TH – ROMAN DYNASTY (Theatrical [Ire]) remained unbeaten over a route of
ground with another daylight victory, shipping into Belmont Park from his home
base upstate at Saratoga. Dueled the front runner into defeat and then drew
clear. Has a full sister who won on the grass, and a change in surface should be
forthcoming, especially since this contest was originally meant for the Widener
Turf course.
8TH – HAPPY HUNTING (Seeking the Gold) continues to slowly round into form
off the layoff. Set a quick and pressured pace and tired slowly late to finish
third. Looks as if he prefers a target to run at.
Saturday (5/20)
7TH – SOUTHERN PRINCE (Hennessy) was a bad actor prior to the start and then
had the misfortune to run into a huge effort by the 7-5 favorite. Continues to
progress with each start and should leave this preliminary allowance condition
in the near future.
8TH – Strong Contender posted a strong third-place finish taking a realistic
class drop and shipping into Belmont Park. Contested a modest early pace and
held well to take down the show vs. more accomplished rivals as the race
quickened late. May be most effective over a middle distance of ground.
Sunday (5/21)
1ST – BATIDAS (Siphon [Brz]) was caught a bit wide chasing a loose on the
lead odds-on winning favorite who dominated the competition. Did well to get the
place off a layoff in swiftly run race. Should move forward off this effort.
4TH – FLYAWAY PRINCESS (Prime Timber) suffered a bobbling break from the rail
and probably regressed off a big effort last time while stepping up in company.
Still managed to flash early speed for a half-mile, but had nothing left for the
stretch drive. Will need time to recoup, but any semblance of her debut effort
in the future will enable her to handle winners.