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BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK MAY 22, 2009 by Albie Johnson Beautiful weather and the prospect of some championship caliber racing just around the corner brought out some larger than average crowds this past week. There was only graded event scheduled, but a pair of sophomore fillies from the barn of Todd Pletcher served up notice that they'll be a force to reckon with down the road. On Saturday, an exciting renewal of the Shuvee S. (G2) took place with prohibitive favorite SEATTLE SMOOTH (Quiet American) having to work unexpectedly hard to prevail by three parts of a length in the one-mile stakes. Coming off a win in the Bed o' Roses H. (G2) in her seasonal debut on April 18, the filly loomed large on paper over an ordinary looking field of five challengers. She rated well in-hand while saving ground the whole race and appeared to be beaten in midstretch as she awaited some racing room. A seam opened up just past the eighth-pole and jockey Ramon Dominguez swung her out around a pair of runners. She prevailed in the end under left-handed urging, winning her fourth stakes in a row. Trainer Tony Dutrow has many options available to him as to what her future holds. Earlier in the week trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a pair of three-year-old fillies and they both responded with impressive victories that suggest a step up the stakes ladder will be on their menu next out. YES SHE'S A LADY (Yes It's True) won her third in a row on Wednesday and did so by taking the lead early in this overnight stakes, setting fast fractions and coasting home in the one-mile race to win by 10 lengths, stopping the timer in 1:35.60. The addition of blinkers three starts back has made her a totally different filly and the Acorn S. (G1) and Mother Goose (G1) could be in her future. On Friday Pletcher sent out LIGHT GREEN (Pleasantly Perfect) in a small overnight stakes run at six furlongs. The Edward P. Evans homebred quickly assumed command and was never threatened at any point, setting very fast fractions and winning geared-down by eight lengths, stopping the clock in a swift 1:08.32. The bay filly has won three of her last four and finished second in the other contest. She ran some solid races against quality fields last season at two and has really picked up her game this year. As you would imagine, there are many ways her connections can go from here. Track Conditions It was ideal all week with fast and firm being the order of the day. Without any moisture present the main track has been favoring speed horses or those racing close-up while the grass courses played fair with a slight edge going to runners sitting just off the pace. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (5/13) 2ND -- Making her first start since last September, REAL MOON (Malibu Moon) was well-backed at the windows in this contest, but ran like a filly in need of a race. She pressed the pace of the eventual easy winner and, after offering her best around the far turn, retreated under light pressure. Next time. 6TH -- LAUREATE CONDUCTOR (Bernstein) saved ground while racing well back in this maiden special turf contest, had traffic woes for about a half-furlong, then closed strongly for the place once clear. She should find her way to the winner's circle soon. Thursday (5/14) 3RD -- JOVANNA (Minardi) may have been best in this contest. The state-bred mare saved ground early, awaited some room turning for home and was involved in a midstretch bumping incident which cost her dearly as a runner racing well in the track drove clear late. Seven panels should be a perfect fit. Friday (5/15) 8TH -- Making his second start off a two-month break, the course-loving DR. DECTER (Gold Fever) was involved in a speed duel from his inside draw in this turf sprint and held his ground late to finish third. The contested pace was fast and he'll do better from an outside post. Saturday (5/16) 10TH -- WINLOC'S SAINT RAY (Golden Missile) pressed the eventual winner form the start and held well to finish third while tiring a bit in the last sixteenth. This effort was his first since last November and he should be much fitter next out. Upcoming stakes Memorial Day weekend always means the Metropolitan H. (G1) for three-year-olds and up at a mile on the holiday and a pair of races for fillies and mares -- the Sheepshead Bay (G2) at 1 3/8 miles on the inner turf and the Vagrancy H. (G2) going 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. A reminder that we'll race here on Monday and be dark next Wednesday. Have a nice week!
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