Race 1
With rain already turning the turf yielding and more rain expected this afternoon, races at Belmont could turn out to be unpredictable.
In the first race, four out of the seven scheduled starters are coming out of the mile and a quarter maiden on June 8, and the separation between them is fairly small. #2 Truly Mizzed probably has the best early foot of the four runners, but she is no rabbit. In that Jun 8 race she was close to a “somnabulent” pace, as Tom Durkin” described it, had the lead briefly in the stretch and kicked it in. She is a seven start maiden who hasn’t yet achieved favoritism. Joel Rosario sticks with her and that is a positive. So is the fact that the horses 1-2 in the early going both faded badly, and the winner came from dead last. Take note the temporary rail was not up that day, so you can’t adjust the time for that. I don’t think she is impossible, but how much easier does she need it?
Of the other three Jun 8 horses, Antrim Colleen almost got by everyone, Dynesque had plenty of chance to do more than finish 6th, as did Indy’s Millions.
High Heel Kitten, Queens Parade and Indy’s Millions also raced together at the today’s distance on May 16. Queen’s Parade snagged the place by closing better than either of the other two runners. The temporary rail was out 27 for the May 16 race.
My selection has to be #3 Queen’s Parade, with #2 Truly Mizzed and #6 Antrim Collection in close tow.
This state bred, filly maiden event is at 6 furlongs on the dirt. On paper it seems to be a battle between Kleptocrat and Star Grazing. Star Grazing is making her 2014 debut and she is probably best in this race. She ran a pace figure as a two-year old higher than any other horse in the race and has been working well for the Jimmy Jerkens barn.
Kleptocrat is owned and trained by Charlton Baker, who is quietly having a respectable Belmont meeting. Although she is coming out of a $40,000 maiden claiming, she fits well in this field. Charlton Baker also has Miz Sweet. The two Baker horses worked in company on June 25, skipping across 4 furlongs in 48 2/5.
#1A Star Grazing will go favorite and looks very strong. #3 Kleptocrat has a shot based on her first out.
Daily Doubles
$15 3/1A
$5 2,6/1A
$2 2,3,6/3
Total $31