June 30, 2005. 1st Belmont Park - Claiming (40-30) - 6 furlongs - 3 year old fillies Leading Belmont Park rider, Edgar Prado, is in fine form to win another riding title this summer and will take a further step toward that goal aboard With Due Respect in the opener today in New York. The Devil His Due filly, racing with a $40k tag, has double the wins of any other filly in the field and has never missed the board at the 6 furlong distance. Since being acquired by her current connections she has won twice in optional claiming events with a claiming price of $75k and, today, drops back into the claiming ranks for the first time under the tutelage of Gary Contessa, who holds a hot hand at this meet. The cut back in distance will be to her liking and she should prove very tough to catch in the stretch. Dueling with her early will be Stormy Grand Banks, a Stormy Atlantic filly from the Richard Violette stable, who races second off the bench after a win at this very level. Eibar Coa replaces Rafael Bejarano aboard the game filly who prevailed here a month ago despite the ride losing his whip in the stretch. The Coa/Violette combo has been extremely effective lately and it is inadvisable to throw this filly out on any ticket. Gallant Princess caught a soft field of juvenile fillies last fall and broke her maiden here at 7 1/2 furlongs. Claimed out of that event by Carl Domino from the Steven Asmussen stable, she has failed to hit the board in seven consecutive races, including a meek effort two back at 5-2 odds with a $25k tag in which she never got closer than 4 lengths to the front. Javier Castellano must rate Deputie's Notebook early to avoid getting caught in the inevitable speed duel between With Due Respect and Stormy Grand Banks. The Notebook filly looks like she fits at this level and is a smart bet underneath or better if she can work out a strong trip. Inside starter, Homegrown Queen, closed nicely at this level last month and nearly caught Stormy Grand Banks at 6 1/2 furlongs. The pace up front could be a little hotter today and she will have some speed to run at. Tiger Ridge filly, Tiger Rose, loved the Aqueduct inner track but has struggled against allowance company, faltering badly in the same type of optional allowance heats that With Due Respect won at Aqueduct in the spring. If a total pace breakdown occurs, the happiest jockey in this event will be Mike Luzzi, who rides dead closer, Allison's Princess. #3. With Due Respect WIN 4.20 2.70 2.10 #7. Stormy Grand Banks SHOW 2.10 #1. Homegrown Queen PLACE 4.50 2.20 Stormy Grand Banks (8-5) was engaged early by Tiger Rose (18-1) on the lead through an opening quarter of 22.68 and then softened up by Deputie's Notebook (11-1), who made a bid at the top of the stretch. The pace setter couldn't last to the wire as our top choice, With Due Respect (1-1), blasted through on the rail to get to the wire in 1:10.57, three quarters of a length up on Homegrown Queen (6-1), who got a masterful ride from Cornelio Velasquez but just wasn't good enough for the win. It was a neck back to Stormy Grand Banks in third. The exacta paid $16.40 and the trifecta, with all our picks in, returned $26.00. Congratulations! June 29, 2005. 5th Monmouth Park - Claiming (32-28) - 6 furlongs - f&m 3+ All but one of the 7 older fillies and mares in today's 5th race at Monmouth Park is dropping in class. The lone class climber is the likely pace setter, Chepper, a 4 year old Helmsman filly based in Philadelphia, trained by Cynthia Reese. The speedy shipper attracts former Philly regular, Stewart Elliot, for the ride in her Monmouth debut. Although she had been competitve against allowance company at home, she will find her foes very game in the early going today and her propensity for fading late in the stretch prompts us to leave her out of the wagers. Racing second off the bench for the strong Edwin Broome stable, Austin's Belle will receive a fair amount of well-deserved attention at the windows today. The 5 year old showed very little in her return race early in the month but this tough veteran is in a good spot, having won 7 times at the distance and 4 times in her career over this surface. Broome calls on Julian Pimentel for the ride today. Another Philly shipper, Stacy Brew, finally lived up to her pedigree (Doneraile Court - Balastra, Fappiano) in her debut as a 4 year old after struggling as a sophomore at Charles Town. A dominating maiden claiming victory at this distance was followed by a couple of strong hard-fought wins against allowance company. She may not have the speed necessary to keep up with this strong veteran claiming field. Our choice for the win is Richard Dutrow Jr trainee, Life Savior, who is saddled today by Lawrence Walters. The 5 year old handled this type of competition with ease last summer, resulting in wins at Churchill with a $25k tag and Saratoga with a $35 claiming price. She was picked up out of the Spa victory by Mitchell Friedman, who tried to move her up in class with mixed results. Back at a level she is comfortable with and under new management, this mare should be able to work out a stalking trip and winning bid under Chuck Lopez, who replaces Edgar Prado in the irons. Inside starter, Is That You, is the strongest closer and finished just a half length back of Austin's Belle in an optional claiming race here last fall. White Scarf races for a hot barn and attracts one of the meet's top jockeys, Aaron Gryder. A fringe player while racing for the Steven Asmussen stable, this veteran rarely delivers a dud and would be one to use underneath. Camp On Wood surprised a field of New York bred 3 year olds last year at Finger Lakes and took the top prize home from the $50k Niagara stakes but still needs to show improvement in her first race as a 4 year old. SELECTIONS #4. Life Savior WIN 5.20 3.40 3.00 #2. Austin's Belle #1. Is That You Our top choice, Life Savior (8-5), didn't have to worry about using her tactical speed as she sped to the front and maintained a comfortable lead through the turn before cruising to a relaxed 2 3/4 length victory in 1:11.18. Philly shipper, Chepper (5-1), chased the winner all the way around and held on for second, staying a length up on closer, Camp on Wood (10-1), who showed some late interest in her first race in over 8 months. The exacta paid $24.60 and the trifecta returned $141.60. Congratulations! June 25, 2005. 5th Churchill Downs - Claiming (20-17.5) - 6 1/2 furlongs - fillies 3+ The likely favorite among this field of sophomore fillies, shipping from Arlington Park, is Hayworth, trained by Steven Asmussen, a front running type who has yet to miss the board in 6 career starts. The Gold Fever filly broke her maiden at Oaklawn Park in February and just missed at Arlington with a $30k tag and today she draws Corey Lanerie for the ride. Close on the front end will by Holly's Gold, a Paul McGee trainee, who enters this out of a solid maiden breaking performance here 2 weeks ago. She draws a mediocre field and any improvement in her third lifetime start gets her the top prize. Beachblanket Bingo already has 5 wins to her credit (4 this season) and gets a rise in price after a surprising 11-1 victory early this month over Charlie My Boy, who finished second that day as the 6-5 favorite. Rafael Bejarano replaces Robby Albarado aboard the Gold Tribute filly, who races third off the bench for Bernard Flint. Missing Sefa has been toiling at the bottom of the claiming ladder at Turfway Park this spring. A closer to watch for is inside starter, Kisses for Bertie, who was beating much better horses than these as a juvenile before hitting the sidelines for 7 months over the winter. Amanda's World has rattled off three competitive races and races first off the claim for Jeff Greenhill, who does particular well with that angle. #5. Holly's Gold SHOW 4.80 #6. Hayworth #1. Kisses for Bertie WIN 6.60 3.60 3.20 Our angle on this one was to try to beat overwhelming favorite, Hayworth (1-1), and, using our other top choices, that scenario played out nicely as Kisses for Bertie (2-1) took advantage of the extra half furlong to burn the tiring front runners in the deep stretch, getting to the wire 3/4 of a length ahead of longshot, Missing Sefa (32-1). It was another half length back to our top choice, Holly's Gold (5-1), who put forth a strong pace pressing effort in her first try against winners on the rise in class. She was claimed by the Greg Foley barn for a bargain $20k tag. The exacta paid $133.00 and the trifecta, using two of our top three choices, returned $566.20. Congratulations! June 24, 2005. 6th Monmouth Park - Alw 35000s - 1 mile & 70 yards - f&m 3+ The 6th at Monmouth Park today is a starters allowance for fillies and mares with the unusual condition that non state breds have broken their maiden for $35k or less. For New Jersey natives this is an entry level allowance condition around two turns at 1 mile & 70 yards. There is a lot of tactical speed in this field, starting with Jenny Bean Girl, who once again draws 10lb apprentice rider, Juan Ochoa, who hit the board twice here on Sunday with longshots. The 3 year old Sefapiano filly enters this out of her maiden breaker and tries two turns for the first time in her career. Veteran 7 year old, Can't You See, has not finished within 10 lengths of the winner in her last half dozen starts. Today's start marks her 52nd career race and she has only $40k in earnings to show for it. Inside starter, Beautiful Mistress, a Robert Mosco trainee ships in from a dominant win at this distance at Philadelphia Park 3 weeks ago. The Line In The Sand filly has been magic around two turns in her sophomore season and aggressive rider, Harry Vega, is along for the trip. Trainer Alan Seewald claimed N'Bearsohmy for $32k towards the end of the Gulfstream Park meet and shipped her north where she immediately broke her maiden at Monmouth and then hit the board in her first dirt route under similar conditions to today. She nearly caught Kentucky bred filly, Graduation Party, that day. The daughter of Honor Grades will be tough to haul down in the stretch under the guidance of Tom Turner, whose winning his fair share at this meet. I Dare Billy makes only her second start of the season and appeared to be terribly off form in her last, a $16k claiming race at Philadelphia in January. A must-use underneath is the toughest closer in the field, outside starter, Sam's Sixteenth, a Ben Perkins Jr trainee who has been walloping the competition in conditioned claiming events in Philadelphia. The 4 year old filly turned the corner when she was lengthened out from sprints in the spring. Alien Image might get some attention at the windows based on her 16 1/2 length maiden victory at Calder in mid May. Her time in that heat was too slow for us to seriously consider her for the top spot here today. SELECTIONS #1. Beautiful Mistress WIN 5.20 3.40 3.60 #8. Sam's Sixteenth #6. N'Bearsohmy #7. Graduation Party Our top choice, Beautiful Mistress (8-5), pressed pace setter, Alien Image (4-1), took over near the quarter pole and pulled away in the stretch to beat that one by 5 1/2 lengths in a time of 1:44.83. I Dare Billy (25-1) was kept close to the pace by Edwin King Jr and held on for the show. The exacta paid $29.60 and the trifecta returned $275.00. Congratulations! June 23, 2005. 4th Monmouth Park - *S* Alw N2X - 6 furlongs - 3+ A trio of up and comers faces a veteran group of New Jersey natives in the 4th at Monmouth Park, a second level allowance sprint for state breds. Punch the Odds showed exceptional speed in his debut here last August as a juvenile but the Two Punch gelding has been off the track for much of his career since then. He first hit the sidelines after a pace pressing effort in the Grade 3 Sapling, won by Evil Minister. In November, he returned to wire the field in the $66k New Jersey Futurity stakes as 3-5 favorite. After more than 6 months on the bench he set the pace here 3 weeks ago after starting from an outside post and faded late. The Edwin Broome trainee will have company up front. Bad Rep has exploded onto the scene with two consecutive decisive victories at long odds to start his career. Trainer James Ryerson sticks with rider Dale Beckner, who needs only to hold on as this Evening Kris gelding knows the way to the finish line. Hammered did just that to a field of New Jersey bred allowance runners last month, winning by 13 3/4 lengths as 4-5 favorite. The A.P. Jet gelding still needs to improve but any step forward will land him in the money. Outside starter, Mr. Megan, finally broke through the N1X condition for state breds last fall as a 4 year old, going gate to wire in a time that won't get him close here. This race marks his 5th try at this level and he has failed to hit the board each time. Gaetano's Way, a 5 year old gelding by Private Interview seems to hate this surface and would be better served trying allowance company at the Meadowlands. If a speed duel develops on the front end, the pace scenario could set up nicely for 4 year old gelding, Findee's Keepee's, a Michael Maker trainee who has put up some gaudy numbers here and while wintering at Gulfstream Park. Well bred 5 year old gelding, Sherwood Forest, hit the skids by the end of his 4 year old season, being offered at the claim box for a mere $7.5k at Philadelphia Park this past February. Trainer Paul Bonaventura nearly got a win out of him against open allowance company in April before shipping him here for a win against New Jersey locals in May. The pace must break down completely for this closer to have a chance at the top prize. Veteran 6 year old gelding, N.J. Norquestor, has been off his form for some time. A horse to include in the gimmicks is Down the Shore, a 7 year old gelding who left open allowance company to get close at this level here last month. Without a win at Monmouth in 16 starts, the Smarten progeny has hit the board 8 times. SELECTIONS #6. Bad Rep #7. Hammered WIN 4.40 3.00 2.80 #5. Findee's Keepee's PLACE 5.20 4.40 #8. Down the Shore Trainer Todd Beattie was not being overly optimistic when he decided to skip a condition and enter Hammered (6-5) in a non-winners of two event out of his maiden breaker. The A.P. Jet progeny was in command of the race the whole way, stalking pace setter, Punch the Odds (5-1), through speedy fractions of 21.77 & 44.93, taking over out of the turn, then pulling away for a 3 1/4 length victory in a nifty time of 1:10.08. Findee's Keepee's (6-1) rallied late and passed some tired horses for the place prize and Punch the Odds held on for third. The exacta paid $18.00 and the trifecta returned $99.60. June 22, 2005. 2nd Churchill Downs - Claiming (10-9) - 6 furlongs - 4+ The second half of today's early double at Churchill Downs features a tough group of claimers, many of whom have been no stranger to the winner's circle in the recent past. Likely pace setter, Macy's Boy, is stuck in the outside post at a track where he has had no success whatsoever. The 5 year old gelding has been claimed 4 times this year already and Calvin Borel gets the mount on this "B" track regular who enters this out of a starters allowance at Beulah Park. On the inside is a front runner, Relentless Red, who has much more potential to take the top prize. Campaigned primarily as a turf miler as a 3 year old by trainer Dallas Stewart, he was claimed by his current connections out of a tough trip on the dirt here 5 weeks ago. That race followed a nifty 3 1/2 length victory at Keeneland over $15k claimers at 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. Rider Brian Hernandez, who was aboard for his entry level allowance victory at Kentucky Downs in September, returns to the irons. Lightly raced 5 year old son of Tale of the Cat, Ignition, is now trained by Steve Margolis and races again for a $10k tag after trying to break through the N2X allowance condition at Fair Grounds over the winter. Margolis goes to 7lb apprentice, Jordan Charkoudian, for the ride and we expect an honest effort. Veteran 8 year old gelding, Boot Hill, enters this out of 2 consecutive victories here, the last at this claiming level. The Randy Morse trainee will get a lot of support at the betting windows but, considering he hit May of this year with 6 wins out of 62 starts, it seems unlikely that he will be able to rattle off three in a row. A horse who did recently pick up a triple, Geruase, drops in price after failing to make an impression at Indiana Downs and Mountaineer Park. Mark Guidry picks up the mount aboard the 5 year old gelding who won three straight at Hoosier Park last fall. Another Indiana invader, Pretty Swanky, will have to improve dramatically to by competitive in this field. Trainer Joe Woodard hasn't made too many mistakes at this meet and will be represented today by Casanova Slammer, a gelded 5 year old by Grand Slam, who races first off the claim and gets his claiming price cut in half. Useful underneath, he has won only once in 13 starts at the distance. SELECTIONS #1. Relentless Red #6. Pretty Swanky #2. Ignition PLACE 3.80 3.20 It's becoming foolish to bet against any Joe Woodard starter at this meet. Another of his trainees, Casanova Slammer (4-1), waited patiently along the rail, engaged our top choice, Relentless Red (5-2), coming out of the turn and pulled away for a length and three quarter victory in 1:10.96. Ignition (2-1), off as the betting favorite, was close the whole way but couldn't catch the winner. Boot Hill (7-2) closed well for third, just outfinishing Relentless Red. The winner was claimed by Randy Morse, trainer of Boot Hill. The exacta paid $30.00 and the trifecta returned $84.00. June 17, 2005. 6th Monmouth Park - Claiming (10-9)B - 1 mile - 3+ Former Shug McGaughey trainee, Macao, races second off the bench today for Jason Servis, who excels at that particular angle. The 4 year old gelded offspring of Seeking the Gold broke his maiden on the Aqueduct inner track in his first start of the season after showing signs of brilliance over the previous summer and fall in New York. If jockey Jose Martinez Jr can rate the speedy closer behind the early speed, he should have no problem getting him out for the drive coming off the second turn. The likely front runner, Press My Bet, was hauled down in the late going here twice under these conditions after winning at the $7k maiden claiming level in Philadelphia in his fifth try to do so. There will be a lot of late pressure on the 5 year old gelding and his form appears to be going south since his return to Monmouth. Kelly Breen trainee, Darlington Guard, breaks from the inside under Joe Bravo and figures to take a lot of action from the betting public. One of two entrants dropping in class, this 3 year old is the only multiple winner in the field. However, this is his first try around two turns. Outside starter, Gentleman Isaac, showed tenacity here last month hanging tough for second at 1 1/16 miles under these conditions. Bred for the middle distances, this Sweetsouthernsaint sophomore gelding should continue to improve under the tutelage of Linda Rice. Rider Fransisco Maysonett has not hit the board at this meet and is winless in 48 starts in 2005. He gets the call aboard Commanding Link, a 6 year old gelding who needs very little in the way of an excuse to fall short. Beware the Heir seemed to regress rather significantly at Tampa Bay Downs over the winter and arrived in New Jersey with an appalling lack of form. Charismatic colt, Don't Tread On Me, has an excellent late kick but seems to want more ground than this. SELECTIONS #2. Macao SCRATCHED #7. Gentleman Isaac SHOW 2.40 #6. Don't Tread On Me After our top choice, Macao, scratched this race came up dizzyingly weak and favorite, Darlington Guard (1-1), got a fine, patient ride from Joe Bravo, hit the quarter pole in 1:13.81 and cruised to a 4 1/4 length victory in 1:40.05. Longshot Beware the Heir (11-1) dueled with the winner, was no match late, but held on for the place prize ahead of Gentleman Isaac (2-1). The exacta paid $26.20 and the trifecta returned $72.00. June 16, 2005. 2nd Monmouth Park - Claiming 5000 - 6 furlongs - f&m 3+ Wayne's Princess, a 6 year old mare with career earnings of over $128k, returns to the racetrack after a 16 month layoff in today's 2nd at Monmouth Park, a bottom level claiming event for older fillies and mares. Based on back class, the Daniel Lopez trainee, claimed for $14k from the Philip Aristone barn in February 2004, should be able to handle this field, but we would rather give her one race to her legs back. She will be duelling early on with Just Jackie, another 6 year old, trained by Patricia Farro, who had a relatively successful campaign last year, hitting the top two spots in 10 of 16 starts. The New Jersey bred mare rattled off 2 consecutive victories at Penn National before hitting the sidelines in January but would need a career best effort today to cash a big check. The most dangerous front runner might be Dinner by Moonlight, also shipping in from Penn National. This 4 year old has only missed the board once in 7 starts this year and attracts Julian Pimentel for the ride. Our choice for the win, however, is Savvy Girl, a 5 year old who earned $60k last season and was claimed for $16k in January by Kathleen DeMasi, who is still looking for her first win at this meet. Stewart Elliot, second in wins among jockeys this year at Monmouth, gets the call and should be able to guide this Valid Expectations mare past the fading pace setters in a return to the form which saw her crack the N1X allowance condition in December. Another Brianna nearly caught the winner at this level here in late May but will find the going a lot faster today. Lightly raced 5 year old, Meega, got her only win on the front end of a two turn event here in the fall. Seminole Gal will be heavily backed at the windows, dropping in from the $16k claiming level. The 7 year old, now trained by Peter Walder, has been racing routes and the middle distances primarily in the past year but had been a competent sprinter earlier in her career. While the price might not be fair, it would be foolish to leave this one out of the exotics plays. Inside starter, Talespin, is a perennial also-ran who is looking for more ground. SELECTIONS #2. Savvy Girl WIN 6.20 4.00 2.80 #5. Seminole Gal #3. Dinner by Moonlight Scratches to the three outside horses left our top choice, Savvy Girl (2-1), with an easier task than expected under the sure handling of Elliot. The lack of early speed meant she could leisurely stay close to early pace setter, Dinner by Moonlight (7-2), who was through after a half mile. Another Brianna (6-1) made a premature move and found herself in a stretch duel which she couldn't win. Savvy Girl had plenty of steam and pulled away to win in 1:13.10, a length in front of Another Brianna. It was another 2 3/4 lengths back to longshot, Talespin (18-1). With underlay of the day, Seminole Gal (1-1), out of the money, the gimmicks paid well for a short field. The exacta paid $30.60 and the trifecta returned $173.60. Congratulations! June 15, 2005. 1st Monmouth Park - *S* Claiming (10-9) - 6 furlongs - f&m 3+ Trainer Patricia Farro, who finished 5th on the leaderboard for wins at last year's Monmouth Park meet, is off to a slow start this season, but could turn things around by saddling speedy 6 year old mare, Amongtheprivileged, in today's opener, a claiming race for New Jersey bred fillies and mares. The veteran won races at this track, the Meadowlands and Philadelphia Park last year and cleared the N2X condition for state breds. In her third start off the bench, with Felix Ortiz in the irons, she should be able to wire the field today. Laura's Prospect showed some zip at Penn National Race Course at 4 1/2 furlongs but has consistently faded late in longer races. Stinky Twinkie, a veteran of 45 races, was racing below this level here last summer. The 6 year old mare enters this out of a 5 month layoff. Outside starter, Madera Canyon, a lightly raced 7 year old, has faced much tougher competition than this and picked up checks. The question today is whether her conditioning is sound. Trainer Ed Barney has a good record with horses off the bench. Vicky's Verse has some ability to close and will be useful underneath. Inside filly, What's That, was unable to clear the N2L claiming condition at Philadelphia this past winter. Can't You See is not a sprinter. SELECTIONS #5. Amongtheprivileged WIN 4.60 3.60 2.80 #7. Madera Canyon SHOW 2.80 #3. Vicky's Verse Our top choice, Amongtheprivileged (6-5), got a clean break under Ortiz and was able to remain a few lengths clear of the field the whole way to get Patricia Farro into the winner's circle for the second time this meet. The betting favorite was able to claim the victory despite running a slow 1:12.86 over a fast track. Longshot Philly shipper, Stinky Twinkie (17-1), raced inside and stayed on for the place prize under Janice Blake, while second choice, Madera Canyon (2-1) had the look of a horse who needed a race and picked up the show. The exacta paid $97.20 and the trifecta returned $274.40, an excellent ROI considering the top two betting choices hit the board. Congratulations! June 11, 2005. 11th Belmont Park - The Belmont Stakes - Grade 1 - 1 1/2 miles - 3 year olds Without a Triple Crown quest to break up, this year's Belmont Stakes has come up looking more like a springboard stakes race to the major summer series for 3 year olds. Lone Star Derby winner, Southern Africa, a Cape Town colt races on the East coast for the first time in his North American career. An experienced graded stakes performer who began his career in England sprinting on the turf, couldn't quite catch Declan's Moon, Giacomo and Wilko in the Grade 1 Hollywood Futurity as a juvenile in December. If front speed holds up, this West coast invader could be a longshot to include on exotics tickets. Trainer Nick Zito has dug into his stable and come up with 3 more starters today, including Pinpoint, winner of the $100k Sir Barton stakes. John Velasquez replaces Rafael Bejarano aboard the Peaks and Valleys colt who may find the distance today too challenging. The most dangerous front runner looks to be Reverberate, who couldn't keep up with Oratory for his stakes record win in the Grade 2 Peter Pan. Patrick Reynolds trainee, Watchmon, won a 1 7/16 miles marathon at Gulfstream Park in April but will find a much tougher crowd today. We don't see any reason not to back certain favorite, Afleet Alex, who will not likely run into any more trouble than he encountered in the Preakness. Jerry Bailey gets the mount aboard A.P. Arrow, who will have to take a huge step forward from his maiden victory in the slop at Churchill Downs to be competitive here. Another A.P. Indy colt, Indy Storm, whose damsire is Unbridled, is a blue blood out of the Zito barn who has been brought along carefully after his debut victory at Calder Race Course on New Year's Eve. The pace scenario sets up nicely for this dead closer to gain some ground in the long stretch here at Belmont. Peter Pan favorite, Chekhov, was never threatening in that race and would have to improve significantly off a short 2 week break in just his third start against winners. After winning the $100k Sam F Davis stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, Andromeda's Hero has failed consistently against top drawer competition, finishing 8 3/4 lengths back of Afleet Alex in the Arkansas Derby and 7 1/2 lengths behind Giacomo in the Kentucky Derby without ever really being in contention in either race. Everything went right for Giacomo on May 7 in Louisville, but we feel his class was truly put to the test in the Preakness, when he couldn't keep up with the winner despite getting a clean ride under Mike Smith. Nolan's Cat enters this without even a maiden victory to his credit. SELECTIONS #9. Afleet Alex WIN 4.30 3.60 3.00 #10. Indy Storm #8. Reverberate #4. Southern Africa Afleet Alex (1-1) and jockey, Jeremy Rose, put an exclamation point on this year's Triple Crown races with a dominating victory in the Belmont Stakes, clearly establishing the Northern Afleet colt as the top performer of his generation. This race was concluded when Afleet Alex was asked for run on the second turn and proved he was far and above the finest horse in the field, flying past the front runners en route to a 7 length victory in 2:28.75. Andromeda's Hero (11-1), an also-ran since February in Tampa, was good enough for second today and Nolan's Cat (20-1), still a maiden, picked up a $110k paycheck for getting beat nearly 14 lengths to the finish. The exacta paid $44.00 and the trifecta returned $1,249.00. June 10, 2005. 2nd Churchill Downs - Claiming (30-25) N3L - 7 furlongs - 3+ All of the speed among these non-winners of three races is concentrated on the inside posts, which will result in a spirited backstretch duel in this second half of the early double at Churchill Downs, to be run at 7 furlongs. Acceptable colt, Haiaccept, trained by Dale Romans, just graduated from the N2L condition at this track over this distance 3 weeks ago. Capable of an even better performance than that, as evidenced by his string of strong showings against allowance company last fall, the knock on this colt, breaking from the inside post, is that he tends to do his best running out in the middle of the track. Southside Johnny B, a rapidly improving colt by Wheaton, turned things around at Turfway Park over the winter once he was placed in Greg Foley's stable. He faces older horses for the first time in his career, but still rates as the likeliest speed horse to still be standing in the stretch. River Downs shipper, Count Rmil, will be badly outclassed by these. If this race were being run anywhere other than Churchill, we would give serious consideration to Work, a Menifee colt whose damsire is Carson City. The Ron Moquette trainee hit his stride towards the end of the Oaklawn Park meet and finished strongly in a Keeneland allowance race but generally falls apart in Louisville. Trainer Tom Amoss, a master at the claiming game, picked up Moon Over Miami, a late developing Is It True gelding for $30k out of a win over non-winners of two here a month ago. A versatile runner who was disqualified out of his maiden breaking win at Gulfstream Park over a flat mile, won next out shortening to 6 1/2 furlongs and then caught third in his first against winners in a lightning quick entry level allowance heat at odds of 15-1. Former trainer, Stephen Margolis, shook the dice and lost his gamble dropping the gelding to the claiming ranks with a $30k tag. This is our choice for the win. Another closer who will be heard from late is Royal Warrior, who ran out of real estate here last month. The Jeff Talley trained gelding, making only his seventh lifetime start, will appreciate the extra distance. Apple Krisp has been a major disappointment for Phillip Sims, who claimed him from the Dallas Stewart barn over a year ago. The You and I colt has raced only twice in the past calendar year with dismal results. SELECTIONS #5. Moon Over Miami WIN 7.00 4.80 3.20 #6. Royal Warrior PLACE 9.60 4.40 #4. Southside Johnny B SHOW 2.80 The only surprise in store for us today was the square price our top choice, Moon Over Miami (5-2), was allowed to go off at. Orlando Mojica had him close to the slow pace in the slop and he put away Haiaccept (5-2) coming out of the turn and pulled away for a 3 1/4 length victory over our second choice, closer Royal Warrior (9-1). Southside Johnny B (5-2) was never able to press the pace and finished with a mild rush for third. The exacta paid $44.80 and the trifecta returned $173.80. Congratulations! June 9, 2005. 7th Belmont Park - *S* Alw N2X - 1 mile - f&m 3+ A very competitive group of state bred fillies and mares will go a mile trying to clear the N2X condition for New Yorkers and will be chasing down inside starter, Bookem, a Notebook filly who is in tough today trying to make the jump from a close second versus 3 year old $25k claimers. Eibar Coa jumps ship in favor of Zero Probability and new trainer Donna Nolan goes to Jose Espinoza for the ride today. This speedster has not yet been able to hold up against older horses in the stretch. Zero Probability, our choice for the win, goes for her third consecutive victory since being sidelined for 7 weeks at the end of the winter. Coa replaces Stewart Elliot, who will be riding at Monmouth Park today, aboard this filly who has not missed the board in 4 New York starts in her career, which began at Laurel Park in late January. Her ability to accelerate late in the race will be the key to her success today. Kelly Breen trainee, Contemptuous, went gate to wire at Aqueduct but will have to improve by a few lengths to stay ahead of today's competition. Trainer Dominic Galluscio is having an outstanding meet and sends out the dangerous 4 year old, Shady Lane, a daughter of Peaks and Valleys who has been narrowly outfinished at this level twice since returning from an extended layoff. Paraneck Stable's Renamed has a win at the distance to her credit but the barn does not usually fire with horses off the bench. The only entry with notably superior back class is Ms Litigator, a Kiaran McLaughlin charge who acquitted herself well in the New York Stallion series and comes out of her turf debut, wherein she was forwardly placed the whole way. Miss D Flawless is in poor form and outside starter, Dixie Can Can has the look of a horse who could be missed by the bettors and offer good value in the exotics wagering. SELECTIONS #3. Zero Probablility SHOW 2.30 #5. Shady Lane PLACE 3.60 2.20 #2. Ms Litigator Sure enough, Dixie Can Can (13-1) slipped under the radar and went off at tempting odds, took advantage of a quick early pace to close strongly along the inside for her first victory in almost a year. Our second choice, Shady Lane (9-5) came out of the turn with the lead but, for the third consecutive time, was outfinished and had to settle for the place prize. It was another length back to our top choice and the betting favorite, Zero Probability (7-5). The exacta paid $89.00 and the trifecta returned $226.00. June 8, 2005. 1st Monmouth Park - Claiming (7.5-6.5) - 6 furlongs - f&m 3+ The field of 7 are shipping in from 5 different tracks for today's opener at Monmouth Park, a 6 furlong sprint for older fillies and mares carrying claiming tags of $7.5k down to $6.5k. Trainer Kevin Sleeter, currently atop the leader board for wins by Monmouth trainers at the new meet, sends 5 year old mare, Caitlin's Idol, into this out of a 9 month layoff and the top career earner in the field runs for a tag after spending all of last season in the allowance ranks for New Jersey breds. As a 3 year old she earned $79k in purse money and picked up $56k last year despite winning only once. Based on back class and a trainer who can have them ready after a break we have to use this daughter of Northern Idol in this company. Based in Philadelphia, rider Jose Flores ships in with 6 year old Chiquilina, who was winning open allowance races last season and beating classier claimers earlier this year. The daughter of Our Emblem is tough on the front end and, with a clean break, should hold on for the win today. Also racing well in Philadelphia off the claim, things started to go sour for 5 year old Respectable Gal when trainer Mark Fusco, who had a brilliant Monmouth meet in 2004, got ambitious and moved her up into the allowance ranks. After two inexplicably poor showings in May and the big class drop, we will advise to back away. Doneraile Court filly, Shanena, loves this track but faces much tougher competition than the conditioned claimers and 3 year olds she was racing against last season. Out since October, we would prefer to give her one before deciding where this filly belongs in the claiming world at Monmouth. Quick Draw Annie has a conditioning edge over some of these after racing 3 times at Tampa Bay Downs in February and March, and this Demaloot Demashoot mare rarely delivers a dud. She might prefer a bit more distance but we wouldn't shy away from using her in the gimmicks. Veteran Jeanne's Jet, an 8 year old with one win to her credit, is not a sprinter and is liable to be outclassed even by this marginal field. Sprinting isn't the strong suit of Privy, the inside starter, who can win at this level but prefers more distance. SELECTIONS #4. Chiqulina WIN 5.20 3.40 2.60 #6. Caitlin's Idol SHOW 2.40 #1. Privy Caitlin's Idol (2-1) looked very professional in her return to the track, setting solid fractions of 22.03 & 45.38 before being caught in the deep stretch by our top choice, Chiquilina (8-5), who got up on the outside to win by a half length over Quick Draw Annie (7-2), who nosed out Caitlin's Idol for the place prize. The exacta paid $17.40 and the trifecta returned $38.20. Congratulations! June 4, 2005. 6th Belmont Park - The Say Florida Sandy - $60k - 6 furlongs - 3 year olds New York bred sprinters race for a $60k purse in the Say Florida Sandy stakes, for 3 year olds which have not won a sweepstakes. Leading Belmont Park rider, Edgar Prado, has been enlisted by Mark Shuman to guide speedy Sarah's Prospect to the lead in the hopes of duplicating his gate to wire entry level allowance victory in the mud here last week. Tough on the front end will be Tomorrow's Cat colt, Be Wild Again, a William Turner trainee who has alternately finished first or second in each of his 5 starts. Not one to shy from a speed duel, with the aggressive Norberto Arroyo in the irons, this $110k sophomore is a solid choice for one of the top two spots. Trainer Bruce Levine is enjoying another excellent Belmont meet and enters $100k Precise End colt, Pain and Glory. This well bred 3 year old liked the Aqueduct inner track but couldn't keep up when racing switched to the main track and comes into this out of a 2 month layoff. Summerland was knocking heads with the best New York bred juveniles last season, finishing second in the $125k New York Stallion Great White Way stakes in November and third behind Naughty New Yorker and Sort It Out in the $85k Damon Runyan in December. His sophomore campaign hasn't yet picked up speed. Inside starter, Look At Me Go Now, took 10 tries to break his maiden and enters this out of that victory. He is out of his class. Bold Decision hasn't shown enough speed in two career starts to seriously threaten the top ones here. The only closer capable of making noise late is Freddy the Cap (3/4 to Look At Me Go Now), whose prep for this was a big late running win at Delaware Park over open allowance company after a 3 1/2 month break. SELECTIONS #5. Sarah's Prospect #4. Be Wild Again SHOW 2.40 #2. Freddy the Cap PLACE 5.00 2.90 Longshot Bold Decision (13-1) got a smart ride from Javier Castellano, went 4-wide into the stretch and took advantage of a collapsing pace to get the victory in 1:11.80, a length clear of Freddy the Cap (5-2), who couldn't make up enough ground in the deep stretch to get the top prize. Betting favorite, Be Wild Again (1-1), was used up in the speed duel with Sarah's Prospect (4-1) and finished a fading third. The exacta paid $126.00 and the trifecta returned $307.00. June 3, 2005. 3rd Churchill Downs - Claiming (10-9) - 6 1/2 furlongs - 4+ Only one in the field of seven veteran geldings and horses in the 3rd at Churchill Downs today is moving up in class to the $10k claiming level and all will probably be setting their marks on front running sprinter, Raise the Stakes, a 7 year old gelding with only 3 visits to the winner's circle after 41 career starts. High percentage rider, Mark Guidry gets the call from trainer, Jeff Talley, winless at this Churchill meet, aboard a Kentucky bred who would have fit at this level early last season but who has taken a decided turn for the worse since a tough turf try here last summer. Another who has seen his form go south this season is Ohio native, Vivid Views, who races second off the claim for trainer Kevin Aubrey and gets his tag chopped in half after a decent, if unspectacular, effort against $20k claimers here 2 weeks ago. Aubrey drops the horse to below his claim price in April, usually a bad omen. Lightly raced 5 year old gelding, Here's to Andrew, a progeny of Dehere with Miswaki as damsire, has only flashed briefly the speed which earned him over $34k last season as a 4 year old on the Kentucky claiming circuit. Although both his wins at Churchill last summer were against conditioned claimers, he did produce a stunning 16 length victory over $25 open claiming company at Ellis Park before hitting the sidelines. Racing third off the bench after a lengthy layoff, we like him at a price. Our choice to win, however, is the only 4 year old in the field, inside starter, American Token. The gelded son of Quiet American showed a strong closing move to win at this level here in Derby week and then was moved up in class and got off slowly against a tough field of $15k claimers two weeks ago. Back in a more suitable spot and with the bounce behind him, he is our top pick with a decent price. One has to go back two years to find a performance that beats these from 6 year old gelding, Nickie's Affair. The senior member of this group, Boot Hill, in his 64th start, is useful In the exotics as the 8 year old Iowa bred gelding rarely delivers a sub-par performance and enters this off a winning performance which, if repeated, lands him the top prize again today. Real Monarch needs to find a softer spot than this. SELECTIONS #1. American Token #5. Here's to Andrew SHOW 2.60 #7. Boot Hill WIN 8.20 3.80 2.60 Boot Hill (3-1) didn't need to replicate his winning form of last month as he was able to put away the front runners in the slop and cruise to the wire in a slow time of 1:19.12. Betting favorite, Vivid Views (8-5), delivered another second-best performance, finishing 2 1/2 lengths back of the winner after failing to collar him in the stretch with a closing bid from the outside. Here's to Andrew (3-1) held on for third. The exacta paid $27.40 and the trifecta returned $100.40. June 1, 2005. 4th Philadelphia Park - Claiming 4000 N1Y - 7 furlongs - f&m 3+ An experienced field of eight mares, all of whom have probably seen their best days on the track, go 7 furlongs in a bottom rung claiming event for non-winners in the past six months. One of the probable pace setters, Luv's Gold has flashed a little speed in 3 of 4 races this season, but her quick fade routine at 5 1/2 furlongs won't hold up well with the added distance today. In 5 races at 7 furlongs in her career she has one show finish to her credit. Rider Jorge Duarte, aboard inside starter Marge's Bid, will likely try to ensure an honest pace and may even try to steal this one on the front end. The 5 year old veteran of 53 races is still competitive but likely needs more distance. Just barely eligible for this condition, Barely Sovereign took a N1Y event at 7 panels here in mid-November. On that day, she stalked a moderate pace and ran down the leader at 26-1 odds. Trainer/owner Ron Glorioso is adept at the claiming game and can have a horse ready off the bench. Bates Motel mare, Home Hill, has watched her stock fall dramatically in the past few months. In December of last season, she was a strong second to next out winner, Weeks, in a N1X heat, then became completely unresponsive in two further allowance races in the New Year. Claimed twice since then (once for $6.25K), her newest connections are willing to let her run with a $4K tag. Making her 78th start today, Bandy has been stalled at this condition for some time. Pleasanton, the likely favorite, inherited the lead in a syrupy mile here in May and was still hauled down in the stretch. If she races back to her Texas form of last summer, the 6 year old mare will be tough to beat, but she has shown very little since leaving her home state a year ago. Anthony Carango trainee, Jd's Lookin Snappy, has a strong closing kick but likes more ground. Outside starter, Espiga, is another closer who has been more effective at two turns. SELECTIONS #2. Barely Sovereign SHOW 2.20 #3. Home Hill WIN 8.60 3.60 2.20 #5. Bandy Our second choice, Home Hill (3-1), raced back to her 4 year old form as she made a strong outside move coming out of the turn to overtake front runner, Pleasanton (2-1), and hit the wire in 1:24.93. Our top choice, Barely Sovereign (9-5), flattened out for the drive but held third. The exacta paid $38.80 and the trifecta returned $80.40. Congratulations!