Glad to be back at Belmont. That Aqueduct meet was like being in the galley of a Roman ship for six months and finally emerging to see the sunlight. Now the fun begins.

Race 1      5-6-1

Beatle Boots was claimed by Abby Adsit and returned on the AQU main in a mile race where he didn’t disgrace himself. I think his figures look best and the drop to $20K should help.  Astron is a seven race maiden with a couple of second place finishes. No reason he couldn’t find his best stride today. Larry Boy has been competitive at this level and is eligible to get a piece.

Race 2      3-6

McQuaid is the typical multiple time starter finally dropping intp the MCL ranks. While his figures don’t dominate they are tops in the group. He gets a shot to win on the drop, but he won’t get my money at 8-5. El Grillo inherits the place spot after the scratches of 4 and 5. Should be pressing the issue early and may hang on in this limited group.

Race 3      8-5-9

Amber Moning is the best of the turf specialists and seems to be on the top of her form right now. Has a win on the BEL turf and that is a plus. Might be better at the spint distance. Lady Kreesa is 5 for 5 in the money at BEL Finished third last time she was in a sprint. Donk is effective off the layoff. Sweetpollypurebred may be an underdog (tweet if you got that) but she’s been with better state breds and looks best at the sprint distance.

Race 4      7-4-1

Bert Stone had no chance last out when his jockey lost his irons. He’s got good early foot and off his best he’s competitive with this group. Oh Billy Boy is another making a big drop. He’s suspect except he’s got DJ in his corner. Can’t ignore but can’t back him with gusto. Francis Freud goes first time with winners and off a short layoff. Nevin is effective with that move. Figures say competitive.

Race 5      1-5-6

Canzoni is coming from GP in pretty good shape. Pletcher trainee has some figs that would crush this field. If he shows up he’s tough to beat. Cleancut Kid is well bred for the turf and the distance. Conway and De Diego are 3 for 10 together. Worth a look at 8-1.  Bigger Picture is another with a decided preference for the turf and competitive numbers. Rice is decent off the layoff and definitely improved the horse by moving it to the turf.

Race 6      3-2-6

Jc’s Shooting Star ran a good race against Tricky Zippy first out. Moves up in distance but breeding suggests that shouldn’t be a problem. Donk is good 2nd time maiden, sprint to route and routes. Lots of positives. Mohawk Lily perked up dropping back in price and moving up in distance. She’s back at MSW today but she is fast enough to compete with this group. Summon the Spirit has been on the improve. A little dicey on the turf but Jerkens has been having a great 2015 and that might be enough to put her in the mix.

Race 7      4-7-6

A P Johnson has plenty of early foot and is experienced on the turf.  Her one win came on the BEL turf. Given Fire is another with front running ability and competitive figures. Lisa Lewis is decent off the layoff and the horse shows ability to win after a vacation. Barrier to Entry was wide last out and lost any real chance to win. He’s got a win at the distance and a win on the BEL turf. Interesting thought at 8-1 ML.

Race 8      9-7-11

Angela’s Dream was a three time winner in Europe but hasn’t quite gotten on track here. Still, she’s in condition and may take to the sweeping BEL turf.  Might be the value at 5-1 ML. Venus de Milo should be prompting the pace. Maker is great on the turf and off the layoff. Looks tough in here. Bartiromo has a penchant for the BEL turf. Barbara is good off the layoff with a limited sampling. Competitive off her best.