BELMONT NOTEBOOK
JUNE 19, 2008
by Bernard T. Moore
All the hoopla and hysteria that engulfed Belmont Park in the days leading up
to this year’s Belmont S. (G1) has subsided, and things have basically returned
to normal. It is amazing how much “ink” has been expended trying to rationalize
BIG BROWN’s (Boundary) performance in the Belmont. Somewhat forgotten in all the
frenzy has been DA’ TARA (Tiznow), the actual Belmont winner. Well, no one said
that life, or racing, for that matter, is fair.
First race post time on Fridays at Belmont has been moved to 3 p.m. (EDT) and
will remain in effect until July 18.
Saturday’s featured race was the Ogden Phipps H. (G1) for fillies and mares
at 1 1/16 miles. GINGER PUNCH (Awesome Again), a Stronach Stables’ homebred
runner, overwhelmed an overmatched field en route to a decisive 7 3/4-length
triumph. Trained by Bobby Frankel, Ginger Punch was allowed to track the early
pace carved out by Mistical Plan (Game Plan) down the backstretch. With Rafael
Bejarano at the controls, they went after the front runner in earnest leaving the
far turn, quickly disposing of that rival after entering the stretch. Ginger
Punch passed the eighth-pole 3 1/2 lengths in front, and then continued to add
to her lead with every stride to be well-clear of the field at the finish.
Golden Velvet (Seeking the Gold), who raced within striking distance of the lead
from the start, was able to overtake a spent Mistical Plan in deep stretch for
second.
On Sunday, FIRST DEFENCE (Unbridled’s Song) made every pole a winning one,
holding on grimly to the lead in deep stretch to post a desperate head victory
in the Jaipur S. (G3). Despite the yielding nature of the inner turf course,
First Defence set enterprising fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 4/5 as he maintained
a 1 1/2-length lead around the far turn. Under Javier Castellano, First Defence
remained clear past midstretch, but began to weaken a bit shortly thereafter.
Salute the Count (Count the Time), who raced in sixth early on, closed
stoutly in the final furlong while making up five lengths, but simply ran out of
ground and had to settle for the place. Mohegan Sky (Straight Man) showed good
speed throughout, and had just enough energy left to outlast True to Tradition
(Rahy) for the show. The latter chased the winner into the stretch and then held
on reasonably well to the finish.
The main track remained basically bias-free through Saturday. Overnight rains
produced a track labeled “good” on Sunday, with early speed types dominating the
results.
Closers held an edge over the Widener Turf course from Friday through Sunday,
with speed doing well on the inner over the weekend.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (6/11)
2ND — WOLFSON (Wiseman’s Ferry) easily demolished a field of
maiden-claimers on the drop. Appears capable of handling a field of limited
winners at a similar claiming price.
4TH — ALY’S COLORS (Carry My Colors) ran well to finish second chasing
despite fast fractions while returning from a freshening. Has dangerous tactical
speed, and she should have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort.
Thursday (6/12)
2ND — SWEET OBER MELISSA (Tale of the Cat) experienced a troubled trip in her well-meant
career debut. She was bumped at the break, and then was caught in traffic
attempting to rally, finishing with interest late for third when clear.
7TH — LACADENA (Fasliyev) held well for the show after racing three-wide
while disputing fast factions in her return to the grass. She has every right to
move forward off this effort.
Friday (6/13)
3RD — UNBRIDLED’S HEART (Unbridled’s Song) suffered a bit of a tough trip
in first start for new connections off a private purchase. She broke clumsily
and then was a bit rank while pinned down along the rail while chasing the early
pace, and eventually came up empty in the stretch. Obviously is capable of
better, especially if given time to regroup after this effort.
4TH — A THROUGH Z (Alphabet Soup) had to be “hustled” away from the gate to
stalk the pace after a bit of a slow start from the rail. She was a forward
factor into the stretch, but could not quicken when called upon. She is
certainly capable of better, especially with a clean getaway.
Saturday (6/14)
3RD — CARDINAL HILL (Harlan’s Holiday) held well chasing a superior speed
rival in a swiftly run contest and was clearly second best. This was his first
effort off freshening, and he certainly fits well against New York-bred runners.
4TH — I’LLTHINKOFSUMTHIN (Tiger Ridge) exhibited improved speed to contest
a lively pace, but was no match for a fresh closer. Lone winning effort came
when able to rate and make one run.
Sunday (6/15)
4TH — PORONUI (Rahy) barely lifted a hoof in his well-bet return off a
prolonged layoff. He failed to display any speed after being forced to steady
early on. Also, he might not have cared for wet turf. He deserves another chance
on firmer ground in his second start off the shelf.
8TH — AWESOME I AM (Awesome Again) turned in a good effort off a layoff. Finished well
late to take down the show despite a speed-conducive track. Gives the impression
that he is capable of handling a middle distance of ground as well as a sprint.