Belmont Notebook

BELMONT NOTEBOOK

JUNE 1, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Horses can be vulnerable returning off a layoff. However, that was not the

only obstacle that HONEY RYDER (Lasting Approval) was forced to clear in the

Sheepshead Bay H. (G2) at 1 3/8 miles on Saturday. A very pedestrian pace on the

front end was detrimental as well, and it nearly proved to be her undoing in

this marathon turf route as she was all out to overhaul the pacesetting Noble

Stella (Ger) (Monsun) in deep stretch to emerge victorious.

The eventual second-place finisher was able to set up shop on the lead and

set deliberate fractions, with Honey Ryder tracking her along the inside as the

field made its way down the backstretch. Noble Stella still held onto a daylight

advantage turning for home, as Honey Ryder was put into all out drive by jockey

Garrett Gomez. She was relentless in her pursuit of Noble Stella, gradually

wearing down that rival and then slowly edging away late to register a

hard-fought one-length victory. The front runner held on to save the place by a

neck over Angara (GB) (Alzao), who in turn was 4 1/2 lengths clear of the 2-1

second choice in the wagering, Asi Siempre (El Prado [Ire]).

AROUND THE CAPE (Carson City) has been transformed into a turf sprint

specialist by trainer Bill Mott in 2006. On Sunday, Around the Cape achieved his

biggest success to date, closing stoutly in the lane to win the Jaipur H. (G3)

by three parts of a length. Stalking a lively pace from his outside post, he

settled into third position down the backstretch while racing a bit wide. The

four-year-old colt continued to track the leaders into the stretch and then

rallied to overtake both rivals, annexing his initial graded stakes victory in

track record time. Bold Decision (Precise End) was immediately sent to the front

by jockey Jose Espinoza. He held on tenaciously to the lead while setting a

pressured pace, but could not match strides with the winner late and finished

second by a neck over Summer Service (Siberian Summer). The third-place finisher

uncorked a strong bid to loom a dangerous presence while challenging for the

lead in the stretch, but could not maintain that rally while bumping with Bold

Decision during the stretch run and had to settle for the show. Despite a

stewards' inquiry, and claims of foul by Kent Desormeaux aboard Bold Decision

against the top two finishers, the original result was allowed to stand.

Rarely does anything in Thoroughbred racing go according to plan.

Consequently, the connections of SILVER TRAIN (Old Trieste) had reason to

celebrate when their Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) hero was able to eke a head

victory in the Metropolitan H. (G1) on Memorial Day.

The Met Mile has long been one of the highlights of the spring/summer Belmont

Park meet, and this celebrated race has been a long-range goal for Silver Train

for quite some time. Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. the had Buckram Oak Farm star

primed for a top effort, and he delivered, but not without a few anxious moments

in deep stretch.

Mass Media (Touch Gold) found himself on a loose lead after Bandini (Fusaichi

Pegasus) broke slowly following a bumping incident at the start with Sun King

(Charismatic). He continued to dictate the pace down the backstretch, with

Silver Train just to his outside, seemingly ready to pounce when given his cue.

The two rivals put some daylight between themselves and the rest of the field by

the time they hit midstretch, with battle lines being drawn with the finish line

in clear view. It was Mass Media who was the first to buckle under the pressure,

with Silver Train disposing of his pace nemesis and starting to edge away under

strong urging by jockey Edgar Prado. Sun King, who raced in last early as a

result of the bumping incident, weaved his way between runners on the far turn,

and was now in high-gear as he commenced his stretch bid. However, it was too

little too late as Silver Train had just enough gas left in the tank. He was

able to withstand the closing kick of Sun King by a neck, with the wire coming

to quickly for the Nick Zito-trained runner. Mass Media faded to finish third,

with Bandini checking in fourth.

Eibar Coa continues to lead all riders, with Prado holding on to

second-place. Mike Luzzi and Cornelio Velasquez share the third spot on the

list.

Dutrow sits atop the trainer standings with James Jerkens dropping into

second place last week. Bruce Levine, Gary Contessa and Barclay Tagg are tied

for third.

The main track seemed to play evenly all week. There were no discernible path

biases last week on dirt. Both turf courses were bias free all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (5/24)

2ND – FINNEGAN'S LAD (Broad Brush) was allowed to drop too far behind the

early leaders, but rallied strongly vs. a perfect stalking trip winner. Needs a

better pace scenario to be at his best in his second start over the Belmont main

track.

4TH – CHAMPAGNE ENDING (Precise End) turned in a much improved effort over a

route of ground while reequipped with blinkers. Finished with good energy late

and just missed the place by a nose. Appears to be at her best up to a flat

mile.

Thursday (5/25)

2ND – PRETTY SARAH (Rodeo) offered a good showing on the drop. Stalked a

lively pace exhibiting improved speed and continued on well to the finish. Can

move forward off this effort if kept at this new class level.

5TH – SCALD (Dixieland Heat) gave a creditable third-place effort off a brief

rest. Finished with interest to claim the show while racing wide in a race she

obviously needed. Should much be fitter for her second New York outing, and

might be most effective up to 1 1/16 miles.

Friday (5/26)

3RD – BILOXI PALACE (Seattle Slew) returned from a long layoff with a

creditable second-place finish. Stalked modest early fractions but gave ground

as the pace quickened. Usually needs a race before dispensing an optimum effort.

7TH – KING HOSS (El Prado [Ire]) dropped in for a selling price off the shelf

and exhibited sharp early speed to argue a lively pace. Held well until

midstretch when he proceeded to tire slowly. A return to rating tactics is

possible in subsequent starts.

Saturday (5/27)

6TH – ALWAYS ALBERT (Albert the Great) finished a good third meeting winners

for the first time. Chased a superior pace rival and held well in a race that

quickened late.

7TH – FIRE ONE UP (Saint Ballado) was hard used contesting a lively pace

turning back to a sprint. Held well to finish fourth while stepping up. Has

tactical speed and he can sprint or route.

8TH – Asi Siempre has been hampered by troubled starts in both efforts

returning from a layoff. Raced out of position behind a lackluster pace

stretching out 11 furlongs shipping into Belmont Park. Lacked a late response

and finished a disappointing fourth. Best efforts have come with the hood on

against softer competition.

Sunday (5/28)

9TH – RODEO HAND (Vision and Verse) closed with good energy to get the place

behind a daylight winner in his turf debut. Raced wide entering the stretch and

continues to show progress with every race. Comes from a winning family and his

dam has already produced two turf winners.

Monday (5/29)

4TH – KINGOFTHENIGHT (Brz) (Royal Academy) turned in a useful fourth-place

finish switching to the main track in first start for Dutrow. Leveled off too

late in a swiftly run race for the class level. Expected to show improvement for

a new trainer in future efforts, especially if he returns to grass.

8TH – Bandini faced a tough task off the freshening in his Belmont Park debut

effort. Was compromised by a bumping incident at the start, and then had to be

sent early to stalk the pace. Continued to chase the pacesetters into the

stretch, but could not improve his position late. Deserves another chance at

this level with a clean getaway.