Belmont Notebook

BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK

JUNE 7, 2007

by Bernard T. Moore

The late entry of Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) in Saturday's Belmont S. (G1)

added some much-needed panache to the race. The Belmont lost some of if its

luster when Street Sense's (Street Cry [Ire]) connections elected to bypass the

race with the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner. Without question, the recent purchase

of his breeding rights by Darley's Jonabell Farm influenced their decision.

First post for the Belmont Stakes Day card is noon (EDT).

The end result of a stirring stretch battle in Saturday's Sands Point S. (G3)

was a dead-heat between BIT OF WHIMSY (Distorted Humor) and RUTHERIENNE

(Pulpit). Stalking a pedestrian pace, Bit of Whimsy held a tactical advantage

over Rutherienne as the field made its way down the backstretch. She was able to

secure the lead past midstretch, with Rutherienne rallying outside of rivals as

she launched her final bid. Despite losing ground throughout, the Christophe

Clement-trained Rutherienne proved resolute to the end, as she eventually

finished on even terms with Bit of Whimsy. Classic Neel (El Corredor) made a

strong bid to reach the front passing the eighth pole, but weakened slightly in

deep stretch under pressure and had to settle for third money. Sharp Susan

(Touch Gold), the second choice in the wagering, was prominent from the outset

while saving ground. She raced wide upon entering the stretch and was one-paced

late, ultimately finishing fourth.

On Sunday, jockey Kent Desormeaux won both divisions of the New York Stallion

S. In the Cupecoy's Joy Division, LAURENTIDE ICE (Intidab) relaxed nicely behind

a hotly contested battle for the early lead. She rallied smartly in the drive,

blowing past the beleaguered pacesetters en route to a decisive four-length

victory. Smokin Sarah (Smokin Mel) closed from off the pace as well to finish

second, two lengths in front of City in the Clouds (Good and Tough), who took

part in the aforementioned speed duel.

The Spectacular Bid Division of New York Stallion S. went to Desormeaux as

well, as he guided DR. V'S MAGIC (Raffie's Majesty) to a mild upset at odds of

nearly 9-2. Dr. V's Magic rallied in tandem around the far turn with Stunt Man

(Western Expression), the stronger half of the odds-on Gary Contessa entry.

There was little to choose between these two runners at the midstretch point,

with both rivals just heads apart. However, Dr. V's Magic began to edge away

shortly thereafter, and was three lengths to the good as he crossed the finish

line. Stunt Man held on gamely to finish second, one length ahead of Good

Prospect (Good and Tough), who closed belatedly to take down the show.

The main track played uniformly to begin the week on Thursday, but was

speed-favoring on Friday. It returned to normal over the weekend.

Both turf courses were honest throughout the week.

There was no discernible path bias to report.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (5/31)

3RD - LIEUTENANT DANZ (Gold Fever) recorded a strong third-place finish

dropping and switching back to dirt. Gave futile chase to a very hot pace set by

the odds-on winning favorite. Held well late to just miss taking down the place.

Has every right to move forward off this effort, especially if confronted with a

softer pace scenario.

5TH - SHE'S MY SUNSHINE (Touch Gold) turned in a dramatic form reversal in

her second career start. Showed surprise speed to stalk the early pace, and held

well until midstretch before tiring. Should have derived beneficial conditioning

from this effort.

Friday (6/1)

5TH - CLASSIC IMPACT (Regal Classic), in a change tactics, closed well from

off the pace to get the show in his second start off the layoff. Finished well

late behind a decisive winner in race that was fast for the class level. Clearly

prefers to rate, and make one run. Lone career victory came over the Belmont

Park inner turf course at nine furlongs.

6TH - HELLO NEWMAN (Banker's Gold) offered a much improved third-place finish

on the drop. Was confronted with a very quick early pace, but managed to finish

with good energy late in a swiftly run contest. Hails from a family that is

clearly at its best over a distance of ground. Should have gained beneficial

conditioning from this effort.

Saturday (6/2)

3RD - TIGHT GRIP (Distorted Humor) offered a respectable second-place finish

behind a decisive winner over a conventional dirt track. Was prominent from the

outset, and then finished with good energy late in a race that was quick

throughout. Appears poised to register his elusive maiden win in his next

outing.

7TH - SHADY LANE (Peaks and Valleys) failed to sustain her wide bid into the

stretch as the race quickened. This was an improved effort in her second start

off the layoff, and she should have derived some much-needed conditioning from

this race. Loves Belmont Park and probably a bit more distance as well.

Sunday (6/3)

2ND - ANY MINUTE NOW (Cat Thief) ran "sneaky well" despite finishing eighth.

Demonstrated good speed to contest a very quick pace and understandably tired.

Might be better suited to a sprint and/or rating tactics.

7TH - ZIP OF FOOLS (City Zip) was used hard to set a fast and pressured pace

stepping up/stretching out off a freshening. Gave way noticeably late as her

early exploits took their toll. Remains eligible to compete against a field of

preliminary allowance runners in the state-bred ranks.