Race 1. 5-2-1
Fundamental looks to be the class of the field. He missed a length in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby and ran two good ones in Florida over the winter. Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz have had a great start to the meeting. Montclair won his 2016 debut at GP. He’s got a win at the distance and has been working steadily for his BEL debut. Street Fashion has run well at the distance and seems to be in good condition.
Race 2. 2-1-3
Indygo Tigress should be the speed in this race. No horse dominates on figures, but Indygo Tigress has run as well as any of these. Egyptian Rose has been competitive at this level. Throw out the last one since it was on the wrong surface and she figures right there. Game Girl should go off as the favorite on the strength of her opening race at this meet. She’s back on very short rest, and figures to be a main contender.
Race 3. 5-6-1
Evolution has good speed and should enjoy the cutback in distance. Took him a while to figure it out, but seems to have put it together. Cort is another speedster that has been popular at the claim box. Seems to have been working well in prep for this one. In Condition just broke his maiden and takes a big step up. Seems to be on the improve and this is not the strongest field.
Race 4. 1-7-5
True Desire ran well first time out and returns at the same price level today. Could use a slightly better break today to make sure she gets into the race early, but if she does, she should be the one to catch. Ask the Lonely drops out of MSW and that is probably the best thing in her favor. Has been off a long time but Nevin is not bad with returning horses. Porpentina showed a little bit a speed last out and goes for high percentage trainer Danny Gargan.
Race 5. 7-3-6
Roccia d’Oro is experienced at the distance and makes a smart drop in price to this spot. His best U.S. race was one at this level and his best lifetime figure tops this field. Araqeel hasn’t been the distance but fits in this price level and has Chad Brown working for him. Gold Shield seems to always run competitively and his last race on the turf showed big improvement.
Race 6. 6-2-1-5
Data Driven is well bred for the turf and while he is coming off a long layoff, Chad Brown is dynamite with horses coming off the bench. His turf race a year ago has a figure about as good as anything in here, so with a little improvement he’s definitiely in the mix. Country Money has some competitive figures. His last race was a clunker, but he never really broke well and was having to come from too far out. At 12-1 ML he’s got some interest. Rock Eagle was claimed by Ru Rod three back, and he jumps him up today. I think that looks like a positive move and his figures say he should be competitive here. Dynaformersrequest was gelded since he was last seen on the track and he fits in this price level.
Race 7. 3-4-2-8
Time for Angie is two for two at BEL and in his last 10 he’s won six and was only out of the money once. Has good tactical speed and competitive figures. Picture Day drops back to a more realistic level. Another that has shown success on the BEL dirt and should thrive at the distance. Torcida was on the wrong surface at the wrong distance last out, but moving back to a dirt sprint should allow her to show her best. Just Got Out has been popular at the claim box and has been competitive lately. Last race was her best and a repeat puts her in the mix.
Race 8. 7-3-4-1
Conquest Superstar broke his maiden at first asking and takes a healthy jump up today. But this $725K purchase by this year’s hot sire, Uncle Mo, has tons of potential and we’ll see if he lies up to his breeding. Inspector Lynley finally broke his maiden and then promptly tried his hand with Grade 3 horses where he didn’t disgrace himself. Consistently good numbers. Cave Johnson didn’t race so well in the Palm Beach but after that made a respectable showing in a restricted stakes. Another with a competitive number. Site Read and Ray’s the Bar have been racing with stakes horses and belong in this group.
Race 9. 9-10-3
Naked Empress improved when moved to the turf and gets a jockey upgrade to Johnny V. Munchkin Money goes first time for Chad Brown. Is well bred for the turf and the distance. Meatball Madness is another horse by Freud. Didn’t disgrace himself first time out. Broke well first time out and should be a forward factor today.