Belmont Friday

In the 6th, Proenza (6-1) stretches out and makes her second start off a layoff for Shug McGaughey (22% and 23% in those two categories respectively). I recall that this barn had had a rough stretch at Gulfstream, but you can't keep a good trainer down for too long, and these things always seem to have a way of evening out. Shug has cooled down a bit here after a blazing start to the Belmont meet, but still has a record of 16-5-2-1 overall. This three-year old daughter of Rahy had an inauspicious juvenile season in the UK, but showed signs of life late in her six furlong return on the Keeneland Poly in April, rallying for 4th from way back as they left the backstretch. The second and third place finishers won their next races; and winner Jealousofmyboogie shortened up even further and rallied for a nice third in her first against winners. Solid numbers for the added distance on both the Tomlinson and dosage scale....and Proenza, out of a Sadlers Wells mare, has some ample grass distance influence on her distaff side, with two winners of the 1 3/4 mile San Juan Capistrano - Meteor Storm and Raintrap - as well as runner-up Sunshack.

Warm Hugs (8-5) was beaten at 7-10 in an off-the-turfer at Churchill after just missing on the lawn at Gulfstream in her debut for Mott. Barn is off to a slow start here at 2 for 24, but this daughter of Rock Hard Ten seems the one to beat. Wet One (2-1) is another logical contender, but seems to be spinning her wheels a bit after four starts this year, and may be an underlay in this spot. Best of luck and have a great day.