Belmont October 22

One of the tough things about this part of the year is watching trainers start to move horses out of their stable. Two year olds that didn’t live up to their potential, three year olds that aren’t likely to be earners. It doesn’t mean they won’t win, but you have to discern the trainer’s intent.

Race 1      3-2-5      C=1    V=2

Dominic’s Smile won as the favorite last time out and takes a healthy step up. Hasn’t been the mile but the breeding suggests it shouldn’t be a problem. 3 for 3 at BEL and gets a switch to Castellano. The Catmancan looked good first time with winners but had a troubled trip last out. With a clean trip he’s a threat.

Race 2      5-8-6      C-1    V=1

Irish Cat goes second off the claoim for Linda Rice. Last out was on the slop and he’s back on the turf today. Last breeze was impressive. Stormy Invasion goes first time for George Weaver. The workouts suggest he should be part of the pace scenario and Manny Franco should help. Bold Runner has too many starts to get excited about in the win position, but he does show an interest in being close.

Race 3      2-4-6      C=3    V=3

Stay Tuned was grabbed last out by Linda Rice who drops him in half for this run. Workout looks like he’s ready to roll. Spartan Emperor showed good speed in dominating his maiden field. Should be the one to catch. Got Winged took a while to break his maiden. Should benefit if the track stays fast.

Race 4      2-7-5      C=3    V=2

ToBe Determined has the best lifetime figure in the group on the dirt. Should be the one to catch. Sonora had a bad start last out but prior to that was competitive. Should be part of the early pace scenario. Tachiello keeps dropping in search of a win. Has the figures, but hard to get overexcited about a 1 for 13 horse at 7/5 ML.

Race 5      1-5-8      C=1    V=1

Dauphine Russe was claimed two back by Mike Maker who jumped her up to a Grade 2. Should like the competition better here. Spectacular Me has won three of hier last six and wasn’t more than a neck behind in the others. Should be battling to the wire again. Vicki’s Dancer was grabbed last out by RuRod. More in the money finishes than wins, but is always competitive.

Race 6      5-9-6      C=1    V=2

Infinite Wisdom has been close in all his starts. Will be tough to beat if he duplicates his last two figures. Tale of Fancy has been improving and has figures nearly equal to the top choice. Liam’s Prince made a big improvement when moved to a turf route. At 10-1 this is the interesting horse.

Race 7      5-7-12      C=1    V=1

Mohican Chief goes for Brown/Castellano. Hasn’t run a bad one lifetime but is one of a few that has the talent in this field. My Friend Keith flopped in his first with winners but Mott should have him wound up for this event. Charity Reins makes the drop looking for the win. Throw out the last one and he’s right with the top contenders.

Race 8      4-7-3-6      C=1    V=1

Hope Cross is the Brown/Castellano entrant. Like the distance and BEL. Last race fig is tops. Tap It Out has been running consistently at Parx and MTH and has some good races at BEL. Alan Goldberg doesn’t bring many to NY but he’s a competent conditioner. My Sweet Girl has been competitive at this level for a while. May be one of the pacesetters. Striking Style is another that looks good enough to pick up the biggest piece. Watch the odds board.

Race 9     15- 5-8-4      C=1    V=2

Madam Maybry drew in off the AE list and looks to be the prime contender. Ran a close second last time out and this time puts the blinkers on and gets first Lasix. If she clears and gets a good spot, she’ll be the one to beat. D’bunnyphone has shown enough front speed to create an interest and takes the blinkers off today. At 10-1 I’ll be taking a long look. Queen’s Tiara is the Pletcher/Velasquez dropper. She had a troubled trip last out and certainly deserves to be given a long second look. Head Shrinker drops from  MSW to the claiming ranks and cuts back to a more preferred trip. Plenty of dirt breeding.