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BELMONT NOTEBOOK JUNE 20, 2013 by John Mucciolo A pair of Grade 3 tests highlighted the weekend at Belmont Park. Hill Prince S. (G3): Repole Stable's NOTACATBUTALLAMA (Harlan's Holiday) put in a strong run in the lane to overcome the 12 post and gamely register a neck victory. The New York-bred sophomore colt endured one mile on the "good" turf in 1:34 4/5 for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez. Bed o' Roses H. (G3): Susan Wantz's DANCE TO BRISTOL (Speightstown) swept to the lead nearing midstretch and was not bothered all the way to the line in posting a convincing 2 3/4-length win. The Ollie Figgins III trainee blasted seven furlongs on the fast main oval in a wicked 1:20 4/5, just four ticks off the stakes mark. Track Stats A total of 47 races were held at the Elmont, New York, venue, with favorites winning at a 38 percent rate and the top two betting choices combining for 55 percent of the wins during the week. From 34 races on the main oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while six of the 13 races on the lawn were taken all the way on the front (46 percent). We thought the main track was pretty balanced and the best place to be was stalking the pace a few lengths off the rail as the week progressed. Six grassy winners led at every call this week, including four on Sunday from six turf races. Of the six, four came on the outer lawn (3 routes, 1 sprint), while two came on the inner lawn (1 sprint, 1 route). Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (6/12) 5TH -- TWO SUSANS (Purge) overcame a slow start and a bit of traffic to rally home and get up in a very nice debut win for conditioner Charlton Baker. The sophomore filly finished off six furlongs in a very sharp 1:09 4/5 for the level, and could be a nice one with more seasoning. CARTLA SWEETREVENGE (Stephen Got Even) finished seven lengths clear of third in this runner-up spot and ran as well as one can expect in defeat. This filly will be graduating in the very near future with similar performances. 7TH -- PEACE AND JUSTICE (War Front) left quite an impression at first asking in here when wiring the field for John Shirreffs, who is not know for horses with speed or winning at first asking. The well-bred colt was always clear and gave the impression he could thrive with more ground to work with under Junior Alvarado. Thursday (6/13) 3RD -- MY HAPPY FACE (Tiz Wonderful) was very professional in winning this one in her first start since January and first under the care of Chad Brown. The ultra-talented three-year-old filly looks all set to step back up to graded foes in her subsequent outing. Friday (6/14) 2ND -- ASSURED (Empire Maker) tracked the leader, took over in early stretch and cruised home a fine 4 3/4-length winner. The well-bred Bill Mott pupil really looked good from a visual standpoint today and she should loom large with winners in an allowance spot next time. 3RD -- SAN PABLO (Jump Start) settled in third early and put in a powerful run on the turn and into the lane to dust a very good field in here by 3 ½ lengths for Pletcher. The five-year-old win machine made pretty easy work of a pair of Grade 1 types and could move into the higher rungs of the handicap division with another move forward off of this. 8TH -- MOMENT IN DIXIE (Dixieland Band) made a nice late run to be second behind a fine winner on this occasion in her first run in 2013. The Jimmy Toner charge should be much more fit next time and very dangerous if back with this kind. Saturday (6/15) 5TH -- CATRON (Distorted Humor) pressed the pace to the top of the lane and took over in the stretch to post a sharp debut score in this dash for Pletcher. The three-year-old colt came home in a blistering 1:08 4/5 on the fast main oval and obviously could have a nice future ahead of him. Sunday (6/16) 7TH -- Pacesetter and eventual runner-up MARIEL N KATHY (Corinthian) made the favored winner work for everything she got in a great second-place outing on this occasion. The three-year-old miss will be picking up a lot of checks with similar efforts and expected improvement for Dominick Schettino. A Look Ahead The Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes on Saturday is the lone graded race upcoming at Belmont Park.
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