Double the Stakes
Edgar Mendoza saddles U DID IT and SOARINGFORTHESUN as morning line favourites for Saturday's feature contests, the $50k River Rock Casino and the $50k Ross McLeod
Koala and GWEN got hooked into a front-running duel when they clashed last month and, as long as they don’t go too fast here, they may have the race between them. Gwen improved between her first and second appearance, while Koala’s first run this season saw her split Bellaroo and third-placed Sungold Beauty, who was a winner next time out. Southern Lass should come on for her first run of the year, while Keepingthedream has been knocking on the door for a while but has not yet run this season and may need the race.
There was plenty to like about Ice Breaker’s win on only her second start last season, but that was over the sharp 3½-furlong course and she’s making her first appearance for almost a year. SUNBRIGHT looked a progressive sort when winning last time out, but she will need to be to handle Kandy Katie and Wandalita, who finished 1-2 back on opening day. Kandy Katie won a shade comfortably on that ocassion and will be a big threat here. Ostracize was fourth behind Kandy Katie and Wandalita on opening day.
All five of these are renewing rivalry after chasing home the useful Parker Point last month. STEAL HOME was closest to the winner that day, finishing second, and is a worthy morning line favourite. Pay My Way was just behind the selection last time and was closest at the line, while Baby Grand’s neck second to Bodega on his first run of the year (with Steal Home well behind) puts him firmly in the picture.
All eyes will be on the unbeaten U DID IT. The progressive filly has yet to be fully examined by any opponents and she’s beaten Shamra and Marys Tappin Shoes on three occasions already, including in last month’s $50k Sadie Diamond Stakes. If there is to be a surprise it may come via Belcarra Park, who is two-for-two this season and was an easy 4½-length winner in a solid time on her last outing.
Two solid runs already this season puts RACINO firmly on track for a win before long and she will also be carrying the hopes of the Hastings Racing Club in this challenging puzzle of a race. Racino failed by a neck to hold the late challenge of Pinapple Tidbits last time, with Heart of Texas in third, and the three of them should again feature at the business end. Fresh horse import Valerie Valeski, who was running and winning at Fair Grounds last season, should also be a big danger after her first run at Hastings saw the 4yo take second place with Racino behind her.
A fascinating renewal of the $50k Ross McLeod Stakes with six cracking locals facing a significant challenge from the recently arrived GUNFIGHTER. Last seen in action at Churchill Downs, Gunfighter has joined the John Snow barn for owner Gordon Christoff and hope will be high that his recent bullet workout is a sign of things to come. Soaringforthesun, meanwhile, leads the home team after a comfortable win in last month’s Jack Diamond Stakes, in which he turned away the useful pair Mount Asgard and Regal Riot. Hanky Pranky has only one race worth of experience, but it was a facile stroll to a six-length win and he must be respected. The same can also be said for Makeitorbreakit who is now unbeaten in two career starts, the last of which came a fortnight ago.
The betting market should give the best guide to the chances of the three newcomers. C R Sunrise, meanwhile, is progressing slowly and a close-up third behind Silk Stilettos puts her very much into contention here. Always in Charge was behind C R Sunrise that day but wasn’t beaten far and is another improving sort. Remarkable Girl was placed twice last season, while Drill Baby Drill has run well behind some good horses in her five races to-date and a win can’t be far away. QUALITY COMMAND stumbled slightly at the start on her debut, but ran well regardless and was not persevered with by Antonio Reyes once her effort was spent.
Belmont Stakes - Saturday June 11th
Don’t forget you can see this year’s Belmont Stakes live on the Hastings big screen. Post time: 3.44pm (PST)
