Belmont Thursday

- In the 5th at Belmont on Thursday, as many of you are glued to Congressional hearings, Bluegrass Girl (4-1) starts from the rail for Allen Jerkens, who took over training duties this year. She seems to have found a home in these turf sprints. She won her last, second off the layoff, with a relentless late rally, finishing up with eighths of 11.3 and 11.2, and earning a lifetime best Beyer. Moves up to face limited winners now, and Castellano sticks around. Miss Annie M (9-2) also appears to like this route; showed signs of life two back, and rallied from far back for a close third in this class in her last. I can't believe that Royal Spaulding (3-1) is the morning line choice; she has to be in the money burner Hall of Shame. Bettors seemed to get wise and let her go off at all of - gasp - 3-1 last time in her first off the layoff. Could be closer and get a piece today.