Belmont Notebook

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

RACES:		124
DIRT:		60
TURF:		64
FAVORITES:		38 (31 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		23 (19 percent)
TURF WIRE:		10 (15 percent)
DIRT WIRE:		15 (25 percent)

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.