Early thoughts on Belmont Saturday Card

[golfer]

It may be a bit early for some, but since I've been perusing the TG sheets, I'll throw out some early thoughts, very much subject to change.

First, a question. Why is Dove Houghton listed as trainer on all of Tony Dutrow's horses?

Race 2: Pletcher's Prom Party seems to be sitting on a BIG race.. and how this one runs may be very important to the entire day.

Race 5: 2 stand out to me, Shug's Criminologist, and Clement's Meribel.

Race 6: Bordonaro looks very strong, I like Joey P to hit the board at a price.

Race 7: Seems very evenly matched, which makes it tough to go with the favorite, Pletcher's Wait a While.

Race 8: This is my longshot special (for now), and you may think I'm crazy, but I like Hobbitontherocks.. figs are competitive, definitely was not hard used in last (other than swerving all over the track top of the stretch), should be pace to run at.. Sportstown's last makes him the fastest coming in.

Race 9: Dream Rush's last was head and shoulders better than any of these have ever run. Shug's Boca Grande should be set for a new top.

Race 10: Obviously, the question is what to do with English Channel (Kev?).. as the highweight, and off his 2 races this year, can't key him as probable favorite. Cosmonaut looks very solid, and don't leave out Steppenwolfer.. the trip he got in his last (1st turf) has been well documented here.

Race 11: Otherwise known as the Belmont Stakes...if Curlin doesn't back up here, he never will. Hard Spun, who I haven't liked in the Derby or Preakness, may be the choice in this.

Race 12: Does anybody care? another evenly matched field, Heavenly Anna (not to be confused with Dreamin of) looks interesting as a mid range price.

Race 13: Now I'm really pushing it, but this race is impossible, at first glance, anyway. Perhaps Stately Pegasus has finally found a field he can beat.

Comments please..

[GPK]

Originally Posted by golfer

It may be a bit early for some, but since I've been perusing the TG sheets, I'll throw out some early thoughts, very much subject to change.

First, a question. Why is Dove Houghton listed as trainer on all of Tony Dutrow's horses?

Race 2: Pletcher's Prom Party seems to be sitting on a BIG race.. and how this one runs may be very important to the entire day.

Race 5: 2 stand out to me, Shug's Criminologist, and Clement's Meribel.

Race 6: Bordonaro looks very strong, I like Joey P to hit the board at a price.

Race 7: Seems very evenly matched, which makes it tough to go with the favorite, Pletcher's Wait a While.

Race 8: This is my longshot special (for now), and you may think I'm crazy, but I like Hobbitontherocks.. figs are competitive, definitely was not hard used in last (other than swerving all over the track top of the stretch), should be pace to run at.. Sportstown's last makes him the fastest coming in.

Race 9: Dream Rush's last was head and shoulders better than any of these have ever run. Shug's Boca Grande should be set for a new top.

Race 10: Obviously, the question is what to do with English Channel (Kev?).. as the highweight, and off his 2 races this year, can't key him as probable favorite. Cosmonaut looks very solid, and don't leave out Steppenwolfer.. the trip he got in his last (1st turf) has been well documented here.

Race 11: Otherwise known as the Belmont Stakes...if Curlin doesn't back up here, he never will. Hard Spun, who I haven't liked in the Derby or Preakness, may be the choice in this.

Race 12: Does anybody care? another evenly matched field, Heavenly Anna (not to be confused with Dreamin of) looks interesting as a mid range price.

Race 13: Now I'm really pushing it, but this race is impossible, at first glance, anyway. Perhaps Stately Pegasus has finally found a field he can beat.

Comments please..

ok Seth...my comment??


COSMONAUT????

[golfer]

Originally Posted by GPK

ok Seth...my comment??


COSMONAUT????

Hey, Einstein's not running, so I can't lose any more $$ on him Saturday. Seriously, EC was brilliant LAST year, I know it's only 2 starts so far, but the Dubai performance was quite sub par.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by golfer

Hey, Einstein's not running, so I can't lose any more $$ on him Saturday. Seriously, EC was brilliant LAST year, I know it's only 2 starts so far, but the Dubai performance was quite sub par.

VERY sub par is more like it....but that was a different class of horses than he is facing this Saturday.

[golfer]

Originally Posted by GPK

VERY sub par is more like it....but that was a different class of horses than he is facing this Saturday.

I understand that, but if he had run "his" race and still lost, that would be a different story. This coupled with the strange campaign he has had leaves me with major ????. As the favorite, giving weight, well you have to at least consider other options.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by golfer

I understand that, but if he had run "his" race and still lost, that would be a different story. This coupled with the strange campaign he has had leaves me with major ????. As the favorite, giving weight, well you have to at least consider other options.

Not every horse takes to shipping half way around the world. It's quite a bit different than shipping from NY to FL.

[golfer]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

I'll be betting against English Channel as well. He should be a big favorite and I can't take him. I definitely think Cosmonaut has a big shot in there. I am thinking about trying to fool around and use Minister's Joy for second and third because I think the odds will be there.

The reason I threw Steppenwolfer in there is that his dirt figs are very competitive, and his one turf fig, while slower than these, may have been compromised by the trip.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by GPK

ok Seth...my comment??


COSMONAUT????

Horse has never been better since Prado got on board, should have won the Dixie, and has won at 10f on turf. If English Channel needs one after his trip, Cosmonaut can take advantage.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Horse has never been better since Prado got on board, should have won the Dixie, and has won at 10f on turf. If English Channel needs one after his trip, Cosmonaut can take advantage.

Again...I would think BTN or SQ would be more likely than Cosmonaut if EC fails to fire.

[ninetoone]

BTN runs by them all to win by a half length...

[GPK]

Originally Posted by ninetoone

BTN runs by them all to win 2nd place by a half length...

[golfer]

Thanks, Hoss, but why wouldn't Dick take over?

[saucon17]

They are listed under Dove Houghton name because she was once an asst. trainer to Tony Dutrow. She is a good trainer in her own right.

[mclem10011]

But I never cared for Flashy Bull, yet i thought he stepped up on Preakness day and ran a nice race. Perhaps Steppenwolfer could do likewise.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by mclem10011

But I never cared for Flashy Bull, yet i thought he stepped up on Preakness day and ran a nice race. Perhaps Steppenwolfer could do likewise.

I don't understand what one could possibly have to do with the other.

[Mortimer]

rule-eng en leff-eng!!

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by mortimerdexterfoxworthy

rule-eng en leff-eng!!

I wanted to make sure you noticed this one.....

Originally Posted by Alan07

Is there anyone who has DRF or Trackmaster or Equibase pp's for BEL SAT card
al_gobbi@yahoo.com

[mclem10011]

I suppose, just a random thought. Geez, i take it back lol

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by mclem10011

I suppose, just a random thought. Geez, i take it back lol

no no no, never take it back!!

Am I the only one who thinks Bordonaro is a horrible favorite in the True North? It's not like the horse has necessarily welcomed a challenge, and I expect Keyed Entry will put pressure on him from the beginning.

Both of Dutrow's entries look like they have a shot to be competitive.