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BELMONT NOTEBOOK SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 by John Mucciolo A single graded affair topped the week of racing at Belmont Park. Gallant Bloom H. (G2): Chester and Mary Broman's homebred ARTEMIS AGROTERA (Roman Ruler) was last after a half-mile, began to get closer nearing the turn for home and slowly wore down the leader in posting a head victory under Rajiv Maragh. The short-priced favorite sped 6 1/2 furlongs on the fast main oval in a swift 1:15 2/5 for trainer Michael Hushion. Track Stats A total of 48 races were held at the Elmont, New York venue, with favorites winning at a 29 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 50 percent of the wins during the week. From 26 races on the main oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (19 percent), while three of the 22 races on the lawn were taken all the way on the front (14 percent). We didn't notice a significant edge to being on the lead but staying close was often a key to success on the main oval. We wouldn't pay that close attention to the final times last week, especially in the latter portion as the main strip was producing some wicked final clockings. Expect more of the same this week as we progress toward the Super Saturday card. All three turf wire jobs took place on the inner lawn. We saw more runners going last-to-first on the green than leading throughout, and we will give an edge to runners from off the pace here going forward, especially on the outer course. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (9/17) 4TH -- QUEZON (Tiz Wonderful) appeared to be quite happy about this race moving to the main oval as the Robert Ribaudo trainee aired by six lengths in a fine debut showing. The juvenile filly showed speed and came home fast, leading us to believe that she will be a nice one with expected improvement. Thursday (9/18) 7TH -- Conditioner Cahd Brown appeared to have unleashed a nice one when ACK NAUGHTY (Afleet Alex) rolled into contention and right on by late in a super first run. The juvenile filly got her final quarter-mile in a wicked :22 4/5 and could be a very nice one. It's also worth note that this debuter broke from the 11 post and never saved ground while off the rail throughout. Friday (9/19) 9TH -- TRENSITA (Curlin) made a big late run into the lane and fell just short in a fine race despite the defeat. The juvenile filly from the barn of Michael Matz likely will not be a maiden for long. TWIST'N BAKE (Langfuhr) showed speed from the break and was in the hunt before tiring inside the final furlong in what we thought was a productive debut for conditioner George Weaver. The filly should progress out of this in what we thought was a pretty nice field. Saturday (9/20) 7TH -- Euro import CASH FOR EVER (Teofilo) was near the back of the pack for much of her U.S. debut but put in a sustained late run to grab the place spot in a good effort under Jose Lezcano. The Eddie Kenneally trainee should be tighter and very tough next time. 8TH -- Have always been high on ARTEMIS AGROTERA and remain convinced that she is one of the top one-turn fillies in training. She raced up close winning the Ballerina (G1) last time and showed her quality and versatility in this spot, rallying from off the pace. The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is next and we just hope this race didn't knock too much out of her. 9TH -- Trainer Tom Albertrani doesn't win all that often with first-time starters so when FIRST DOWN (Street Sense) swept to the lead with a big move and held on late, we took notice. The well-bred two-year-old colt could turn into a nice one in defeating a field we thought was pretty strong. STREET JERSEY (Street Cry) was bet down pretty hard at first asking and finished a decent third behind a pair of potentially nice ones. We're not accustomed to seeing a Barclay Tagg first timer get bet down like this, so we have a hunch this colt might be able to run to his pedigree somewhat. Sunday (9/21) 4TH -- The Dale Romans-trained TEMPER MINT PATTY (Congrats) took command with ease prior to the turn for home and poured it on late en route to a facile 13 1/2-length stakes win under Irad Ortiz Jr. The New York-bred juvenile filly is no unbeaten from a pair of lifetime runs and earned a healthy 99 BRIS Speed number for her efforts in this dash. 7TH -- JACARANDA (Congrats), a half-sister to 2014 Florida Derby (G1) winner Constitution (Tapit), made her debut a winning one in running away from her foes late in a five-length romp for conditioner Mike Hushion. The chestnut two-year-old filly handled the muddy, sealed oval with ease and just might be a chip off the old block. A Look Ahead Super Saturday is upon us, with a six-pack of high-quality graded races to take place. The Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup is the topper, and will be supported by the Grade 1, $600,000 Flower Bowl Stakes; Grade 1, $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic; Grade 1, $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes; Grade 1, $400,000 Beldame Stakes; and the Grade 2, $400,000 Kelso Handicap. Sunday will play host to a pair of Grade 2 races on the turf for the juveniles -- $200,000 Pilgrim Stakes for the boys and the $200,000 Miss Grillo Stakes for the ladies.
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