Belmont Notebook

BELMONT NOTEBOOK

JUNE 19, 2008

by Bernard T. Moore

All the hoopla and hysteria that engulfed Belmont Park in the days leading up

to this year's Belmont S. (G1) has subsided, and things have basically returned

to normal. It is amazing how much "ink" has been expended trying to rationalize

BIG BROWN's (Boundary) performance in the Belmont. Somewhat forgotten in all the

frenzy has been DA' TARA (Tiznow), the actual Belmont winner. Well, no one said

that life, or racing, for that matter, is fair.

First race post time on Fridays at Belmont has been moved to 3 p.m. (EDT) and

will remain in effect until July 18.

Saturday's featured race was the Ogden Phipps H. (G1) for fillies and mares

at 1 1/16 miles. GINGER PUNCH (Awesome Again), a Stronach Stables' homebred

runner, overwhelmed an overmatched field en route to a decisive 7 3/4-length

triumph. Trained by Bobby Frankel, Ginger Punch was allowed to track the early

pace carved out by Mistical Plan (Game Plan) down the backstretch. With Rafael

Bejarano at the controls, they went after the front runner in earnest leaving the

far turn, quickly disposing of that rival after entering the stretch. Ginger

Punch passed the eighth-pole 3 1/2 lengths in front, and then continued to add

to her lead with every stride to be well-clear of the field at the finish.

Golden Velvet (Seeking the Gold), who raced within striking distance of the lead

from the start, was able to overtake a spent Mistical Plan in deep stretch for

second.

On Sunday, FIRST DEFENCE (Unbridled's Song) made every pole a winning one,

holding on grimly to the lead in deep stretch to post a desperate head victory

in the Jaipur S. (G3). Despite the yielding nature of the inner turf course,

First Defence set enterprising fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 4/5 as he maintained

a 1 1/2-length lead around the far turn. Under Javier Castellano, First Defence

remained clear past midstretch, but began to weaken a bit shortly thereafter.

Salute the Count (Count the Time), who raced in sixth early on, closed

stoutly in the final furlong while making up five lengths, but simply ran out of

ground and had to settle for the place. Mohegan Sky (Straight Man) showed good

speed throughout, and had just enough energy left to outlast True to Tradition

(Rahy) for the show. The latter chased the winner into the stretch and then held

on reasonably well to the finish.

The main track remained basically bias-free through Saturday. Overnight rains

produced a track labeled "good" on Sunday, with early speed types dominating the

results.

Closers held an edge over the Widener Turf course from Friday through Sunday,

with speed doing well on the inner over the weekend.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (6/11)

2ND -- WOLFSON (Wiseman's Ferry) easily demolished a field of

maiden-claimers on the drop. Appears capable of handling a field of limited

winners at a similar claiming price.

4TH -- ALY'S COLORS (Carry My Colors) ran well to finish second chasing

despite fast fractions while returning from a freshening. Has dangerous tactical

speed, and she should have derived beneficial conditioning from this effort.

Thursday (6/12)

2ND -- SWEET OBER MELISSA (Tale of the Cat) experienced a troubled trip in her well-meant

career debut. She was bumped at the break, and then was caught in traffic

attempting to rally, finishing with interest late for third when clear.

7TH -- LACADENA (Fasliyev) held well for the show after racing three-wide

while disputing fast factions in her return to the grass. She has every right to

move forward off this effort.

Friday (6/13)

3RD -- UNBRIDLED'S HEART (Unbridled's Song) suffered a bit of a tough trip

in first start for new connections off a private purchase. She broke clumsily

and then was a bit rank while pinned down along the rail while chasing the early

pace, and eventually came up empty in the stretch. Obviously is capable of

better, especially if given time to regroup after this effort.

4TH -- A THROUGH Z (Alphabet Soup) had to be "hustled" away from the gate to

stalk the pace after a bit of a slow start from the rail. She was a forward

factor into the stretch, but could not quicken when called upon. She is

certainly capable of better, especially with a clean getaway.

Saturday (6/14)

3RD -- CARDINAL HILL (Harlan's Holiday) held well chasing a superior speed

rival in a swiftly run contest and was clearly second best. This was his first

effort off freshening, and he certainly fits well against New York-bred runners.

4TH -- I'LLTHINKOFSUMTHIN (Tiger Ridge) exhibited improved speed to contest

a lively pace, but was no match for a fresh closer. Lone winning effort came

when able to rate and make one run.

Sunday (6/15)

4TH -- PORONUI (Rahy) barely lifted a hoof in his well-bet return off a

prolonged layoff. He failed to display any speed after being forced to steady

early on. Also, he might not have cared for wet turf. He deserves another chance

on firmer ground in his second start off the shelf.

8TH -- AWESOME I AM (Awesome Again) turned in a good effort off a layoff. Finished well

late to take down the show despite a speed-conducive track. Gives the impression

that he is capable of handling a middle distance of ground as well as a sprint.