Race 1      5-6-2

Trophee has been close in all four of her U.S. starts. Fastest horse on paper. Tizette ran very well considering her first race was a mile and a quarter. Junior takes the mount today. Castellani is the other Clement trainer. She is another that has been knocking at the door and has the figures to break though here.

Race 2      8-4-6

Colonel Juanita was claimed by Gullo three back and dropped in price to this level. Just missed last out and slight improvement puts her right there. My Donna Jean won for $16K two months ago and still looks to be in decent condition. Drops down today and will be tough if she runs back to her best figures. Bridget Maloney is 85% in the money this year but only one win. Will have to show more courage today.

Race 3      4-6-3

Matuszak won first out in 2015. Alvarado stays for the trip and the slight uptick in class shouldn’t be an issue. Successful Brothers ships from PIM but has had success at BEL. In condition he’s as tough as anyone in here. Finn’s Quest has had some trouble cracking the winner’s circle but has been competitive in his races.

Race 4       1-2-6

Afleet’s Edge gets the ultimate equipment change for his return. Figures were improving before gelding and should appreciate the cutback. Devilish Grin has two good races in a row including one over the BEL dirt. In his last he took the long way around and with a better trip he’s right there. That’s My Buddy never got into his last race but the workouts suggest he’s got enough speed to be a factor. Manny Franco signs up for the trip and that could help him.

Race 5      9-3-10

Exclusive Strike hasn’t run much the last two years but in his past are some competitive Grade 1 races. Good winning percentages at both the mile and at BEL. Upgrade has been in the money in all three of his starts and drops down in search of a win. Helm comes in from the West Coast for Graham Motion. Much better runner on the turf.

Race 6      5-1-4

Liam’s Map goes for Pletcher, has a win over the BEL dirt and has won both starts at the mile distance. Confrontation finished a good second in the Grade 3 Westchester and favors the BEL surface. Last Gunfighter has been with top handicap horses for a while and switches to the Pletcher barn for 2015.

Race 7      8-10-4-12

Lady Kreesa is capable of running well at the mile distance, She always seems to be contending for the win. Alexandrie steps up in distance. She’s 2 for 2 on the BEL turf and has plenty of improve left in her. Graceful Gal fits well here. Last race figure was her best and a repeat makes her dangerous. The Tea Cups has done well off the layoff before and runs consistent figures when in shape.

Race 8      11-9-8

Boston Strong puts the blinkers on and comes off two near miss finishes at BEL. The one to beat. Banana Thief comes off the layoff for Asmussen. Best suited for the turf sprint and could be prompting up front. Dark Roast ran well first out in 2015. Much better than the 12-1 ML suggests.

Race 9      3-8-10

Gotachancetodance ran a good one last out at BEL and may be better suited for the mile distance. Lana’s Fortune has shown improvement each start and looks poised here. Angel Choir comes off the long layoff for David Duggan who is a decent 17% off the vacation. Fits with this group.