SUBURBAN, PRIORESS, FUTURITY AND MATRON AT BELMONT
A fine Holiday Weekend of action will take place at Belmont Park. A pair of fine races will headline the racing on Saturday, including the $300,000 Suburban H. (G2). Grade 1 star and defending champ Haynesfield takes top billing here for conditioner Steve Asmussen. The standout New York-bred has been outrun in two tough spots in 2011 but could easily turn things around with his best work. The son of Speightstown has very good early speed and is likely at this trip as he stretches out to nine panels today.
Met Mile (G1) runner-up Rodman has never been better for trainer Michael Hushion and is worth a look in this spot. The six-year-old has elevated his game following a very long break, and there is no telling what his ceiling is right now. Friend of Foe and Rail Trip ran one-two in the Easy Goer S. in preparation of this, and it would be of no surprise if either ran huge in this event. Recent stakes hero Hymn Book, the well-bred Hockley and Grade 3 winner Colizeo are also pointing in this direction.
The Saturday co-feature is the $150,000 Dwyer S. (G2) for sophomores. Jerome S. (G2) winner Adios Charlie was a close second in the Peter Pan S. (G2) last out and looms the one to beat in this one for Stan Hough. The son of Indian Charlie has advanced quite a bit in a short period of time and can clearly handle today’s distance.
Cool Blue Red Hot is coming to hand for conditioner Angel Penna, Jr., and the son of Harlan’s Holiday comes in off of a fine score over this strip. Derby Trial S. (G3) runner-up Dominus, Pegasus S. (G3) fourth Harlan’s Hello and Delaware shipper Parent’s Honor, round out the list of likely contestants in this one.
Sunday will give the babies their moment in the sun, with a pair of Grade 2 races for juveniles. The $150,000 Futurity S. (G2) has been taken by some serious runners in the recent past, and the field looks strong yet again. Churchill import Tarpy’s Goal, five-length Monmouth winner Team Six, Distinctly Donovan, who won at first asking in April at Aqueduct and smart Keeneland debut star Larry Zip could all go in this.
The $150,000 Matron S. (G2) for the girls is for impressive New York-bred Hook it Up, Pimlico import Defy Gravity, Monmouth maiden heroine Say A Novena, Millionreasonswhy and Pure Whim’s Gem, who looked the part in a smart win at Parx last out.
Monday’s headliner is the $250,000 Prioress S. (G1), with Roman Treasure, Alienation, Orientatious, Pomeroy’s Pistol and Bold Affair, among the top draws.