Belmont Notebook

BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK

JULY 17, 2009

by Albie Johnson

A fine edition of the Man o' War S. (G1) highlighted the past week of racing

as summer moves on and we approach the always exciting six-week meet at

Saratoga, which begins July 29.

Race was headed by recent Manhattan (G1) winner GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat), who drew

the far outside post and faced-off against a well-traveled

field of eight older turf runners.

Pace was a moderate one set by Musketier (Ger) (Acetenango), who

broke from the hedge post in the 1 3/8-mile contest on the inner turf

course. Gio Ponti, as is his style, raced well back early and was positioned

toward the center of the course by jockey Ramon Dominguez. The bay colt launched

a strong rally just past the three-eighths pole while five wide, and quickly used his

momentum to narrow the gap between himself and the leaders. He reached the front

just inside the eighth pole and drew clear late to win going away by 1 3/4 lengths over the early pacesetter, who held very gamely through the stretch.

Gio Ponti has established himself as a legitimate leader in his division as

trainer Chris Clement has now seen his charge win three Grade 1 races in a row,

starting the string at Santa Anita with a victory in the

Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1) on March 7. The Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) would

appear to be a likely goal for this colt at this juncture.

Earlier on the undercard, CHARLOTT HUMOR (Distorted Humor) was an impressive

maiden winner over a solid field in his second career outing. Making his first

start since his debut last August at Saratoga, the gelding had some traffic issues

early and dropped well back before launching a powerful rally while wide

approaching the head of the stretch. He quickly reached the leaders and drew off

to win by five widening lengths, stopping the clock in the six-furlong dash in a

quick 1:10.29. Trainer Stanley Hough did a fine job in having this sophomore

ready off the long break. Interesting runner looks to have a bright future.

On Sunday, SEA CHANTER (War Chant) was an easy victor in an overnight stakes

and the former turf specialist has now run strongly in three consecutive dirt

races since trainer Todd Pletcher moved her to the main-track this past March.

Track conditions

"Fast" and "firm" conditions prevailed on all five racing

days, and neither surface showing a favored running style or any bias toward

post positions.

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (7/9)

1ST -- Making his first start in 2 1/2 months and the first off a trainer switch

to H. Allen Jerkens, TELEMACHUS (Tale of the Cat) ran a very strong race. He saved

ground early in the seven-furlong maiden contest, launched a bid along the inside

and fought the length of the stretch while dueling with the eventual winner,

losing the battle by a "neck." He won't be a maiden for long.

2ND -- GENERAL MAXIMUS (Freud) was rumored to be a runner and was heavily

backed at the windows. His supporters had little concern as state-bred colt

broke in stride, quickly established a sizeable advantage and drew away to a

four length win, stopping the clock in a "snappy" :57.42 in the five-furlong

contest. Chestnut juvenile may go directly in stakes.

Friday (7/10)

3RD -- The lightly raced but talented OCEAN GODDESS (Stormy Atlantic)

impressed in this spot. She broke running and raced outside of another pace

rival, put that one away around the turn and held sway under intermittent

pressure. After numerous layoffs in the past, it's good to see her

stringing starts together.

4TH -- In this turf sprint for maiden juvenile fillies, both LISA'S KITTEN

(Kitten's Joy) and DAD'S CRAZY (Langfuhr) had legitimate excuses. The former had

some traffic issues midway through the turn and was shuffled back, eventually

finishing third. The latter raced wide the whole race, bid strongly to

reach contention in midstretch and tired a bit late to wind up fourth. Both should

improve off their career debuts.

Saturday (7/11)

5TH -- In his debut, BILLION'S BOY (Johannesburg) raced like a pro. Colt

rated early, bid when asked, and fell three-quarters of a length short at the wire after

making a strong late rally. John Kimmel-trained juvenile may wind up next in a 1

1/16-mile, two-turn contest on the Saratoga infield.

Sunday (7/12)

2ND -- It was a much-improved start number two for CAMPTOWN BLUES (Forest Camp).

Trainer Gary Contessa moved this state-bred juvenile to the grass and colt had

some traffic problems during the stretch run, or I believe he would have won.

Upcoming

On Saturday, the Jaipur (G3) for three-year-olds and up at 6 furlongs on the turf

will be offered.

Have a Nice Week!!.