Belmont Notes

A couple of trainers who have been sharp with their layoff horses have starters returning to action at Belmont today. In the first, a wide-open state-bred sprint scheduled for the turf, Carlos Martin starts Extra Zip (9-2) for the first time since Saratoga. The barn is six for 21 (29%) in the 180+ category over the last two years; and its last two such starters were Sax in the City (second by a head at 4-1) and Fairway Drive ($13.80). Extra Zip finished 2008 with two lackluster efforts, but returns, via his $30K optional claiming tag, to a level at which he won at Belmont the last time he tried it. Sharp works and Dominguez (43% in 21 rides for the barn in 2008-9) is aboard. Shorter distance is a question mark and, as I said, it's a fun, competitive heat assuming it stays on grass. Gold Vendetta (5-1) is a head away from being 2-for-2 on the turf, and goes second off the layoff for Alan Goldberg. The barn is 20% in that category, and the horse has improved each time off that pattern. Missinglisalewis (4-1) comes off a close third at this level.

Trainer Harold James Bond had two layoff winners this past weekend - Sezzana ($12.80) and Smart Engagement ($10.40). In the 8th, Gattinara (10-1) makes her first start since September. She's an in-and-out sort with some poor lines at Finger Lakes; but her last two races at this particular level on NYRA tracks have resulted in a win and a neck loss, both with Beyers that would put her in the mix here. Looks like there are others who may have a class edge - Point Me To It, from the slumping Contessa barn, and three-year olds Stormy's Smile, Karakorum Fugitive, and Olde Glamour - but this six-year daughter of Raffie's Majesty could spice up the exotics here.