Bellamy Road Post

- As if things aren’t tough enough for Bellamy Road’s opponents, his stamina has now increased with the word that his grandsire, Chief’s Crown, has been named a chef-de-race by dosagemeister Dr. Steven Roman (in consultation with Steve Miller of the United Kingdom [thus, he’s not Livin in the U.S.A.]), thus lowering his dosage index from 3.50 to 2.25.

"The descendants of Chief's Crown are characterized by versatility for surface, performing equally as well on dirt and grass, and generally over a distance of ground," Roman wrote. [Bloodhorse]

Well, I guess that’s it then. Though there is that one little chink in his armor though; the 7th place finish last Oct 9 in the G1 Breeders Futurity at Keeneland. We read that he suffered an injury in the race, but Google and DRF searches have turned up no details on that. As you know, he was transferred from Michael Dickinson to Nick Zito early this year. He came into the race as the favorite off of his win in the G3 Cradle at River Downs, in which he beat Diamond Isle and Scipion, who was coming off of his now semi-legendary debut win at Saratoga. His connections were confident.

"He would go on to the Breeders' Cup if he makes a good account of himself," Kinsman manager Edward Sexton [who recommended his purchase] said from Ocala, Fla. "We believe he'll take all the beating, but talk is cheap. We would love to see the horse show everyone what he can do.” [Daily Racing Form]

He took the lead and set moderate fractions of 23.19 and 47.14, but it was Consolidator who stalked him, took over the lead around the turn and went on to win as Bellamy Road faded to 7th by 12 lengths. It was the only time he's really been challenged on the lead, and he faded badly. One presumes it was the injury, but it is a little chink, and if you believe, as seems to be the common wisdom, that there's going to be tons of speed in the race, you can picture him being a mere mortal horse. I think there may be less speed than people think; more on that some other time. I want to play some races on TV.

More on Bellamy Road’s workout today:

"It was great. We’re halfway there. We’ll see what happens next time, we’ll probably work him next weekend and we’ll go from there," said Zito... "Everybody calls it a maintenance work, I’m just so dumb that way I call it some other thing. It’s an easy work and we’ll tune him up next time."[Thoroughbred Times]