Belmont Park Notebook

BELMONT PARK NOTEBOOK

MAY 18, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Who said that giving away money in Thoroughbred racing these days is easy?

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) had their work cut out for them last week as

they went about securing entries for the Bold Ruler H. (G3), a $100,000 contest

at six furlongs for three-year-olds and up. Five horses ultimately made their

way into the starting gate on Saturday afternoon, with the connections of TIGER

(Storm Boot) absolutely ecstatic that the race had filled, as their lightly

raced five-year-old gelding went on to emerge victorious by 3 1/2 decisive

lengths.

Ridden by Eibar Coa, Tiger stalking the pace as Bishop Court Hill (Holy Bull)

sped to the early lead. Coa allowed Tiger to settle into stride, with the pair

eventually reducing their deficit around the far turn. They wrestled the lead

way from the pacesetter in the stretch, and then drew off to score by a

comfortable margin as the 3-2 favorite. Dark Cheetah (Storm Cat) closed

belatedly to capture the place over a spent Bishop Court Hill, who held on for

third. Pisgah (Good and Tough) made a good move around the turn, but the

Delaware Park shipper failed to sustain his bid and finished last.

Racing well off of a spirited battle for the lead, DAVE (Ends Well) closed

best of all to win the Kingston H. on Sunday. Making just his second start for

trainer Barclay Tagg, Dave began his run leaving the far turn as the front

runners began weakening. He raced very wide while continuing to improve his

position upon entering the stretch. He was able to sustain that rally to the

finish, edging away late to win by a length. Golden Commander (Deputy

Commander), who was a part of the 2-1 favored entry along with Unnerving (Dixie

Brass), also closed from off the pace. He gained a tenuous lead in midstretch,

but was unable to match strides with the winner. Pa Pa Da (Incurable Optimist)

was the early trailer, and offered only a belated bid to take down the show.

Foreverness (Island Whirl), a close 5-2 second choice in the wagering, rallied

mildly in the stretch to finish fourth.

Speed runners fared well on Friday and Saturday. The main track appeared to

play uniformly every other day. No path bias existed all week. Closers were advantaged over both turf courses on Sunday, the lone apparent

bias of the week.

Coa continues to lead all riders, with Richard Migliore and Edgar Prado in a

dead-heat for the second spot in the standings.

James Jerkens owns a slim one-win lead over Bruce Levine in the trainer

standings. Three trainers are deadlocked for third in the standings.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (5/10)

3RD – SAINT DAIMON (Saint Ballado) was clearly a tad short returning from a

layoff. Made a good move to improve his position in the stretch, but failed to

sustain his rally in a swiftly run contest.

7TH – JERRY JILLETTE (Tiger Ridge) turned in a useful second-place finish

behind a winning favorite who dropped in class off a winning effort to score

again. Seems as though he might be better suited to a middle distance of ground

and slightly softer competition.

Thursday (5/11)

2ND – STAY INSIDE (Dance Maker) offered an improved effort in his second

career start. Held well setting a pressured pace in a race that finished up well

late. Appears ready to register his initial career victory in second start off a

freshening.

5TH – YOU GO (Cozy Drive) gave a creditable showing stretching out in her

grass debut. Carved out a lively pace on the lead before tiring. Should have

gained valuable conditioning and experience from this effort.

Friday (5/12)

2ND – LUNAR'S SERENITY (Louis Quatorze) was a dominant winner in her well

bet/well meant career debut. Lack of experience showed early on, but leveled off

nicely leaving the far turn and then drew clear. Can handle limited winners in

her next start for a similar claiming tag.

9TH – GLORY AT SEA (Honour and Glory) finished a good third on the drop.

Showed improved speed while sitting closer to the pace. Lacked the necessary

response when called upon in the stretch. Fits well at this current class level.

Saturday (5/13)

3RD – MONSOON RAIN (Old Trieste) was a good third in his Belmont Park and

main track debut. Dispensed an even effort off a prolonged absence. Useful

"building block" race off the layoff and probably will return to turf at some

point.

9TH – NEW YORK CAT (Tomorrows Cat) carved out an excruciatingly quick pace

stretching out to a 1 1/16 miles. Understandably "coughed up" the lead, but held

reasonably well considering his early exploits. Has yet to win beyond six

furlongs, so a turnback in distance would definitely be in order.

Sunday (5/14)

5TH – HER ROYAL NIBS (Formal Gold) finished a decent fourth stretching out to

1 1/16 miles. Dictated an enterprising pace on the front end only to get "very

late" in deep stretch. Should have gained beneficial conditioning from this race

and may revert to pace pressing tactics in her next start.

7TH – MAMA NADINE (A.P. Indy) was a strong second dropping out of a Grade 2

stakes contest. Disposed of early pace pressure only to yield to a perfect

stalking trip winner. Remains eligible for a preliminary allowance contest.