Purse: $32K, Claiming for Fillies and Mares 3 and up. Non-winners of 3 Lifetime, 6F
We returning to Belmont for a late lunch for those in the east. If you’re in the west, perhaps it’s a good day for an early lunch. Race 3 from Belmont is for $20K claimers who have not won 3 races in their racing careers. $20K is still a good chunk of change for a horse, so while these horses are not close to among the best on the grounds, there still is speed and reliability at this class level.
Purling (#5, 2-1) is the morning line favorite. She’s won 2 of his 13 races, although has been a much better horse since leaving the inner dirt at Aqueduct. She’s moving up slightly in level from $16K and probably should find this just a bit harder today. The second choice is Rettalfa (#6, 5-2) who makes a double move in class from restricted 12.5K claimers. Both are reasonable horses, but both have taken some good time to reach their current levels. Of the two, Purling seems a bit stronger. Bridgetta (#7, 7-2) returns after a long layoff. She has a win and 4 seconds over the track, and if she’s sharp, she’s likely the one. Why Not Her (#3, 15-1) deserves a deep look. She drops from the open 12.5K level, where she was soundly beaten. If that race helped her condition, however, she could put a competitive effort out today. Imagine Tomorrow (#1, 5-1) drops back into claiming after two poor state-bred allowance tries. She’s never liked Belmont. New York Conspiracy (#4, 10-1) is another long shot with some upside. The return to sprinting might bode well, but she seems a bit too slow.
Questions:
- Will Purling maintain the main track Aqueduct form that has served here well? If so, then she’s a very strong contender.
- Who will get the lead? This is very hard to predict here, but Purling and Retalfa have tactical speed, which is an advantage in these circumstances.
- How does Bridgetta break off the layoff? If she’s sharp, she’ll give Purling a target, and if she gets a good trip, she might just fin.
Analysis:
Purling is likely the best bet, and while there is some added risk, her style and speed put her likely on top. Why Not Her keeps catching the eye (on paper). She’s probably too slow, but if you are an player of exactas, trifectas, and superfectas, she might be a good play. Bridgetta with a good start could steal the race.
Tune in to twitter @alldayracing at 2:05 ET for coverage.