9/16: Belmont steeplechase race 1 Entenmann and race 2 Lonesome Glory

[Flatterer]

The biggest day of NYRA steeplechase racing kicks off the Belmont fall meet.

The Entenmann Novice kicks off the day going over 9 fences and The Lonesome Glory is next over 10 fences with a long almost 6 furlong flat run after the last fence.

In the Entenmann, #3 Baltimore Bucko benefits with extra distance and is training well, clearly the one to beat. The only others than can challenge for the win are #1 Booby Trap and #6 French Light. #1 Booby Trap ran well in his last 2 races but must improve without Lasix. #6 French Light gained 5 lengths against #3 Baltimore Bucko in his last start and trainer Brion says she can’t separate #6 French Light and #3 Baltimore Bucko. No word about #5 Bassmatci from France with a running style that puts him close to the early pace.

Entenmann race shape will have #3 Baltimore Bucko on the lead with #5 Bassmatchi staying close, #1 Booby Trap and #2 Perfect Tapatino in the first flight behind the leaders. #3 Baltimore Bucko jumps to the left over fences and should stay in front until the last fence. #1 Booby Trap, #2 Perfect Tapatino, #6 French Light and #7 Ritzy A.P. will try to close but #3 Baltimore Bucko should have enough as long as he isn’t used up fighting for the lead.

Selections

A) 3 (fell - destroyed) - 6 (3rd)

B) 1 (2nd)

The Lonesome Glory features a battle of win streaks and sexes as #2 The Mean Queen and #6 Snap Decision face off. #6 Snap Decision runs without Lasix for the first time since his flat debut October 2016 and spots the field 7-20 pounds. #2 The Mean Queen has never used Lasix and won’t have to worry about beacons down the stretch.

According to NSA Racing secretary Bill Gallo, #2 The Mean Queen gets an 8 pound sex allowance so she is the 165 pound high weight.

#1 Amschel only lost by 3 lengths at level weights to #6 Snap Decision at Nashville and now gets a 14 pound break.

#4 Bodes Well only lost by 2 lengths at level weights to #6 Snap Decision last year and he gets a 20 pound break. In addition, #4 Bodes Well was losing to #2 The Mean Queen in The Kiser by 7 lengths and gets 13 pounds from that runner. However, the 2 ½ mile distance is a concern for #4 Bodes Well.

#7 Brianbakescookies gets a 20 pound break from #6 Snap Decision and has the best flat track speed after #6 Snap Decision.

Race shape will have #4 Bodes Well in front early with #1 Amschel and #2 The Mean Queen in the first flight. #2 The Mean Queen will make the 1st move on the backstretch the last time. #6 Snap Decision will follow #2 The Mean Queen and all 4 will arrive at the 9th and 10th fences together. #7 Brianbakescookies will be behind that group ready to pounce. The run after the last fence will be interesting and extra weight will take its toll as the light weights #4 Bodes Well and #7 Brainbakescookies will benefit.

Selections

A) 6 (2nd) - 7 (5th)

B) 2 (Won $4.90)

C) 1 (4th) - 4

Good luck at the races!