Cold Mott Runners Prove Live

- Bill Mott had two winners at Belmont on Sunday that were stone cold dead on the board. In the first, Nunnery, by Forest Wildcat out of a full sister to Pulpit, - Patrick wrote a lot more on her pedigree here - was coming off a close second with the highest Beyer in the field, and was listed in the morning line as the 7-2 second choice to 3-1 Hunsa. Yet she was allowed to go off at 5.30-to-1 in graduating on her third attempt, as the bettors opted instead for Clement's Left Me Breathless, who was stretching out beyond six furlongs for the first time. The latter was made the 5-2 favorite in the mile race, and what a horrible chalk she was, backing up to last after being in perfect position behind dueling leaders on the turn, ugh. Mrs. Bailey ralled smartly for second at 11-1 for Chantel Sutherland, who has been riding in improved form of late.

The ninth was the Joseph A. Gimma, for state-bred two year old fillies, and in this one, Mott had Win With A Wink, again 7-2 morning line second choice to a 3-1 favorite, Laurentide Ice. She was also a close second choice in the Form's selection box. Yet she was allowed to go off at a dull 6-1. Crosstown Traffic was made the 4-1 second choice, and actually, that's who I had. I suppose I was thinking that Mott's filly was dead on the board.

The exacta with Win With A Wink and 2-1 favorite Laurentide Ice returned $37.20, which I think indicates that he was bet more in the exactas than in the win pool. Seems a bit light, you think? Ten horse field, with the 6-1 4th choice on top... Using the rule of thumb of the win price multiplied by the place price, it should have paid around $56.

Crosstown Traffic broke a step behind the field, moved up smoothly on the inside but had to check and lost momemtum. But he came on again, moving back into contention around the turn, and did pretty well to get third, so we'll put him on the watch list.