Sunday Belmont

In the world of thoroughbred racing, these are the lazy hazy days of summer; that void of sorts between the Triple Crown season and the start of the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar, now less than three weeks away.  So, not much going on as far as meaningful stakes races (except for you Wise Dan fans); and here in New York, trainers maneuver with an eye towards upstate.

Or I should say....up there in New York, as the Head Chef and I have once again retreated to my mom's house down near Sarasota in Florida.  Where it's hot.  Though, not all that much hotter than it was up there when we left on Friday.  There were all kinds of dire weather forecasts for the NY area going into the weekend, so who woulda thunk they'd be fast and firm all weekend (thus far).

So, we're kinda kicking back.  But one pick today just to try and keep in shape.  In the 7th at Belmont, a NY-bred 3YO filly stakes named for Cupecoys Joy, a big money maker for me back in the early 80's,  Image of Noon (6-1) tries this modest stakes field for trainer James Ryerson.  Trainer is struggling at this meet, but he's better than this and hopefully ready to break out after three consecutive thirds.  This filly has returned running at three with new jockey John Lezcano, crushing a maiden field from an outside post in her return, and running a game second in her first try against winners.  In the latter effort, she had a nice trip behind the leader and seemed poised for the win; but that leader, the improved Rakin Gold, just kept going, closing out the six furlong affair in 23 flat.  Image of Noon matched that fraction but couldn't gain any ground.  Still, she ran a markedly improved speed figure (with my numbers), and the daughter of Disco Rico, a full sister to a grass winner and out of a half-sister to the graded turf stakes winner Discreet Marq, would seem to have room for further improvement third try of the current form cycle.  Should again be sitting within range of a pace projected as modest.  Adriatic Dream (7-2) shortens up off an allowance win two back and an even effort against older state-bred stakes horses in her last; think she's the one to beat here.  And yeah, then there's the morning line favorite Wellspring Legacy (5-2), first time Jacobson.  Obviously dangerous with early speed after faltering in a stakes at Monmouth; but I think the horse has done her best running at longer distances, and turf sprints are not a specialty of this barn, so we'll hold our breath and stand against.  Best of luck and have a great day.