[illuminati]

At the Gate - Friday

Keeneland’s fall meeting gets underway with an outstanding ten race card on Friday, chock full of large fields and a couple of graded stakes.



I have pretty much shunned tracks with synthetic surfaces, rarely wagering on the Southern California tracks, and tracks like Woodbine, Presque Isle and Turfway Park are no longer on my radar.



Keeneland has been different, as I have had a great deal of success since they installed polytrack.


The racetrack was known as a speed favoring racing strip when it was made of conventional dirt, and after poly was installed, the makeup of the track profile completely changed, becoming a surface that favored outside stalkers and closers.



During the first meet with poly I watched a few of my speed horses quit badly on opening day, and quickly adjusted my handicapping, which led to my best Keeneland meeting ever.



The fact that it is hard to win on the front end is no longer a secret, and we’ll need to come up with a few other angles to show a profit during this meeting.



The opening three days of the meeting feature eight Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races.



There are 19 stakes overall during the meeting, Most of the key stakes take place this weekend and will serve as final preps for the Breeders’ Cup.



There are two stakes on today’s card, five on Saturday, and two more on Sunday.



It won’t just be the stakes that offer great wagering value. On today’s opening day card, the smallest field has nine runners, and seven of the ten races have full fields of twelve.



It’s going to be a fun meet, and I’ll be proving my full card analysis and selections throughout the meeting.





Here is today's opening race from Belmont Park to get our day off to a good start:



BEL Race 1 OClm $75,000N3X (1:00 ET)

#6 Expansion 3/1

#5 Slambino 9/2

#7 Nergal 2/1

#2 Broad River 5/1



Analysis: #6 Expansion made a good late rally to get up late and beat Alw-2 optional claimers in a sharp effort. The fifth and sixth place finishers in the race both came back to beat optional claimers in their next starts. The colt has landed in the exacta in 9 of 12 trips on the turf and has handled ground with some give to it.



#5 Slambino stumbled coming out of the gate and came with a five wide run in the stretch to finish up well for second last out going a mile here. The colt is just 1 for 10 on turf in his career but is making his third start off the bench and was facing tougher than these last fall.



Wagering

WIN: #6 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 5,6 / 2,5,6,7

TRI: 5,6 / 2,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7



Today's Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:



BEL Race 8 Clm $30,000 (4:45 ET)

#3 Marina Market 10/1

#5 Stungbythestorm 3/1

#6 Fearless Vision 2/1

#7 Richland Creek 5/1



Analysis: #3 Marina Market did not fire last out in the mud at the Spa but very few of the Levine runners fired their best at the meeting. The gelding was claimed out of the race by the Arroyo barn, who must really like this guy because he has reclaimed him twice. Two back the gelding was a good second for a $20K tag for his current connections. The gelding is reunited with CVel who was aboard for his last win and I give this guy a shot of bouncing back with a better effort here at a decent price.



#5 Stungbythestorm faded to finish seventh last out against Alw-2 optional claimers and drops into a better spot here for a straight tag. The third place finisher in his last outing was Ea, who came back to beat Alw-2 optional claimers here yesterday. Two back in July this guy beat Alw-3 optional claimers. He owns back numbers that are a good fit and he looks like he can bounce back with a better effort in this spot.



Wagering

WIN: #3 to win at 9/2 or better.

EX: 3,5 / 3,5,6,7

TRI: 3,5 / 3,5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,7



Today's Featured Race of the Day from Keeneland:



KEE Race 9 Alcibades S. G1 (6:15 ET)

#5 Negligee 12/1

#4 Beautician 5/2

#3 She Be Wild 3/1

#9 Amen Hallelujah 6/1



Analysis: #5 Negligee was scratched out of the Ms Grillo last weekend as my top pick. She made her first two career starts sprinting on poly at Woodbine. She broke her maiden in her debut, then was a game second in the Ontario Debutante, beaten a half length for the top spot. The winner of the race was Franny Freud, who returned to win the NY bred Lady Fingers at Finger Lakes on Sept. 7. Vertical Vision also exited the Ontario to win next out, taking the Prairie Meadows Debutante on Sept. 18. She drilled a bullet over at Belmont Park the day after scratching out of the stake. She is out of the stakes winner Naughty Notions ($109K) and is a half to four winners, three winners of $130K+.



#4 Beautician was a good second last out behind Hot Dixie Chic, unable to match strides with that talented filly in the stretch and well clear of the rest of the field. Two back she also could not get to the Chic while better than six lengths clear of the rest of the field. She looks like she has the pedigree to handle poly and she looks like a good fit here and won't have to worry about the "Chick" that beat her in her last two outings.



Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 6/1 or better.

EX: 4,5 / 3,4,5,9

TRI: 4,5 / 3,4,5,9 / 3,4,5,8,9,12



Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.



Belmont Park

R2: #5 Barefoot Babe 10/1

R2: #6 Eleni’s Hope 10/1

R3: #3 Exotic Indy 12/1

R3: #6 Zaskar 10/1

R5: #5 Singing My Song 8/1

R6: #8 Crown Point 8/1

R8: #3 Marina Market 10/1

R9: #9 Orthodontist 12/1



Keeneland

R1: #3 Malcom’s Delite 8/1

R1: #10 Moon Town 8/1

R2: #5 Boulder Tiger 8/1

R3: #5 Fortheboysatthebar 10/1

R4: #1 Woodford Girl 10/1

R5: #9 Honor in Peace 8/1

R6: #11 Fugitive Angel 8/1

R6: #10 It’smyburtday 10/1

R7: #2 Tweeter 12/1

R7: #5 Alice’s Smart 12/1

R8: #3 Ez Dreamer 8/1

R8: #10 Sing Baby Sing 10/1

R9: #5 Negligee 12/1



Good luck today!

[illuminati]

Post Experts Pick the Winners

[illuminati]

Belmont Analysis

Post Time: 1:00 p.m. All horses appear in post position order

Today's analysis.

1. 1 1/16 miles(T); $50,000; alw; 3up

BROAD RIVER drew rail and stretches out after showing some closing ability on soft turf in first start off the claim. NERGAL makes first start since a troubled start but finishing well in May. EXPANSION came off the pace to win while going longer in most recent.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Broad River(L),118 A Garcia 5-3-2 Mott 5-1
3 Giant Chieftan(L),118 J Lezcano 6-1-2 Hough 12-1
4 Gimme Credit(L),118 E Prado 4-4-3 Hills 8-1
5 Slambino(L),118 M Luzzi 2-5-2 Alexander 9-2
1 a-Blues Street(L),118 J Velazquez 6-2-4 Pletcher 6-1
6 Expansion(L),123 C Velasquez 1-4-2 Mclaughlin 3-1
7 Nergal(L),118 R Dominguez 5-1-4 Clement 2-1
1A a-The Roundhouse(L),118 No Rider 3-1-5 Pletcher 6-1

2. 1m(T); $23,000; clm($25,000); 3up(f)

TIMELY COMMAND cuts back in distance and drops in class after finishing fourth in last two starts. LADY'S WISH drops in class after finishing third at Monmouth while going longer. A.P. LIGHT drops in class after a troubled trip at this distance.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 A Word to the Wise(L),121 J Chavez 7-4-1 Pringle 6-1
2 A.P. Light(L),118 E Prado 7-2-2 Ribaudo 8-1
3 Timely Command(L),121 J Lezcano 4-4-6 GPreciado 4-1
4 Hier Encore(L),118 A Garcia 6-9-5 Nieminski 15-1
5 Barefoot Babe(L),121 R Monterrey 7-2-5 Allard 10-1
6 Eleni's Hope(L),118 R Rodriguez 3-4-1 Capuano 10-1
7 Flying Sappho(L),121 R Dominguez 3-2-6 Corrao 5-1
8 Lady's Wish(L),118 C Velasquez 3-6-1 Goldberg 3-1
9 Mynia(L),121 M Studart 8-2-5 Alvarez 20-1
10 Wise Choice(L),121 M Luzzi 2-6-6 Sciacca 20-1
11 Lorraine in Spain(L),118 J Espinoza 5-5-1 Hough 15-1

3. 1 ¼ miles(T); $65,000; 3up(f)POSSIBLE MATE STAKES

BORROWING BASE stretches out after closing to finish fourth by a length in state-bred stakes in return to turf. LAVENDER SKY removes the blinkers after finishing fourth in first start for new barn. BUBBLY JANE adds blinkers after closing to be beaten three lengths in Grade 3 Glens Falls.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Bubbly Jane(L),123 J Velazquez 5-1-1 Lobo 8-5
2 On Demand(L),120 C Velasquez 1-3-5 Goldberg 12-1
3 Exotic Indy(L),120 S Elliott 6-1-2 Forster 12-1
4 Diamond Dina(L),121 M Luzzi 1-1-1 RDutrow 5-1
5 Borrowing Base(L),120 R Dominguez 4-5-3 Quick 3-1
6 Zaskar(L),120 J Lezcano 10-2-2 Terranova 10-1
7 Lavender Sky(L),120 E Prado 4-5-5 Motion 6-1
8 Musical Brew(L),120 A Garcia 4-3-7 Gorham 20-1
9 Don't Forget Gil(L),116 R Dominguez 5-5-2 Hennig 2-1
10 No Use Denying(L),120 E Prado 2-8-1 Motion 7-2

4. 1 1/16m(T); $29,000; mdn cl($50,0); 2YO

PANIOLO faces maiden claimers for the first time after chasing the pace and tiring last out. MINT MAKER drops in class after tiring when adding blinkers. He scratched yesterday to run in this spot. ALWAYS MINE makes route debut after tiring in turf debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Cypress Point(L),120 R Dominguez 6-6-5 Trombetta 5-1
2 Lemon Mambo(L),120 J Velazquez 9-x-x Mott 9-2
3 Hudson Landing(L),120 J Chavez 3-9-x Hough 6-1
4 El Tune(L),120 J Espinoza 9-5-x Brown 15-1
5 Mint Maker(L),120 S Morales 9-7-x Contessa 15-1
6 Calvello(L),120 C Velasquez 4-8-9 Hertler 12-1
7 Unique Tune(L),120 E Prado 7-x-x Ritvo 6-1
8 Always Mine,120 M Luzzi 5-6-6 AJerkens 8-1
9 Paniolo(L),120 A Garcia 5-6-x Bush 3-1
10 Tony Manero(L),120 J Lezcano 9-x-x Brown 15-1

5. 6 fur; $16,000; mdn clm($20,000); 3up(f)

SINGING MY SONG drops in class and switches to Dominguez for return to dirt after tiring in first start for a tag. SOLID CITIZEN faces maiden claimers for the first time while making local debut. WILL YOU DANCE races with Lasix for career debut. Entrymate ILLEGAL SEARCH makes local debut for new barn.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Storm Control,120 J Velazquez x-x-x Pletcher 5-1
3 Solid Citizen(L),120 J Espinoza 4-3-x Hushion 9-5
4 Pleasant Sister(L),120 S Morales 7-6-10 Barbara 15-1
5 Singing My Song(L),123 R Dominguez 5-9-10 Terranova 8-1
6 Siren's Call,120 J Lezcano x-x-x Brown 6-1
7 Amelia the Cat(L),123 E Prado 10-2-6 Sciacca 9-2
1 a-Will You Dance,120 D Cohen x-x-x Contessa 4-1
8 Lakecat,120 N Wynter 6-9-x AJerkens 20-1
1A a-Illegal Search(L),120 J Chavez 3-2-4 Contessa 4-1

6. 1 1/16m(T); $21,000; clm($16,000); 3up

BESTOWED drew the rail and drops in class after a troubled trip on soft turf while going shorter. SOUTHERNMOSTPOINT ran evenly this level in seasonal and turf debut for new barn. CLIFF MEADOWS drops in class after closing to finish third in first start off the claim.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Bestowed(L),123 J Lezcano 5-2-7 Brown 5-2
2 Greg Got Even(L),123 R Dominguez 4-4-6 Parisella 4-1
3 Aly's Wheat(L),123 R Fuentes 5-3-2 Dalessandro 6-1
4 Bullara(L),123 C Velasquez 8-7-3 Arroyo 12-1
5 Counting House,123 J Espinoza 4-6-5 Callejas 20-1
6 Cliff Meadows(L),123 S Morales 3-7-6 Jacobson 7-2
7 Kris Angel(L),123 J Samyn 3-10-10 Sciacca 20-1
8 Crown Point(L),123 J Velazquez 9-7-6 Donk 8-1
9 Southernmostpoint(L),123 M Luzzi 7-1-1 Contessa 20-1
10 Chinese Whisper(L),123 R Rodriguez 2-6-2 RDutrow 10-1
11 Ecru Egret(L),123 M Studart 8-5-6 Persaud 20-1
12 Vettriano(L),123 S Morales 8-2-5 Morrison 15-1
13 One Starry Nite(L),123 V Santiago 7-7-7 FMartin 30-1
14 Friendly Sea(L),123 J Baez 2-7-5 Miller 50-1
15 Ungi Blanc(L),123 N Vigil 4-7-9 Mena 30-1
16 Citi Smoke(L),123 N Vigil 6-8-7 Reiff 50-1

7. 6 fur; $20,000; mdn clm($35,000); 2YO(f)

MAGICAL SOLUTION faces maiden claimers for the first time after tiring when making career debut. ROARING BELLE drew rail and drops in class after finishing second in career debut. ROSALIE'S DANCE adds blinkers and stretches out while dropping in class after tiring in turf debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Roaring Belle(L),120 A Garcia 2-x-x Badgett 4-1
3 Victorious Song(L),120 C Velasquez 7-x-x O'Brien 12-1
4 Notably Made(L),120 J Rivera 9-8-7 Aquilino 30-1
1 a-Classy Jet(L),120 J Velazquez 3-x-x Contessa 6-1
5 Penalty Due,120 J Lezcano x-x-x CMartin 12-1
6 We Got Heat(L),120 V Santiago 11-4-4 Terranova 20-1
7 Rosalie's Dance(L),120 R Dominguez 8-3-x Ritvo 6-1
8 Magical Solution(L),120 J Espinoza 6-x-x Hushion 8-5
9 Dream Train,120 M Luzzi 5-3-3 AJerkens 10-1
1A a-Primed to Be Ready,120 J Chavez x-x-x Contessa 6-1
10 On the Beat,113 A Casey 8-x-x Reynolds 12-1

8. 1 mile; $39,000; clm($30,000); 3up

RICHLAND CREEK stretches out for return to dirt. He was hard used throughout and won this distance in last start on dirt. FEARLESS VISION debuts for new barn after finishing second in Florida in last two starts. STUNGBYTHESTORM chased the pace and tired when making local debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Mean Demand(L),121 D Cohen 1-2-6 Contessa 8-1
3 Marina Market(L),120 C Velasquez 6-2-7 Arroyo 10-1
1 a-Chris Got Even(L),120 J Velazquez 2-2-2 Zito 4-1
4 Legends Way(L),121 E Jimenez 3-1-1 Pascucci 30-1
1A a-Todd Got Even(L),120 J Lezcano 4-1-2 Zito 4-1
5 Stungbythestorm(L),120 A Garcia 7-1-8 Asmussen 3-1
6 Fearless Vision(L),120 R Rodriguez 2-2-5 RDutrow 2-1
7 Richland Creek(L),120 R Dominguez 5-1-5 Brown 5-1
8 Malibu Moonshine(L),120 M Luzzi 6-3-5 Jacobson 12-1

9. 7 fur; $15,000; mdn clm($16,000); 3up

FRENCHONIONSOUP drew the rail after finishing second as the favorite this distance and level. TRIPLE GLORY finished second by a nose at this distance two back. CHANDAS drops in class after running evenly while going shorter in career debut. ST. AUGUSTINE finished second in an off the turf race going longer.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
2 Frenchonionsoup(L),120 C Velasquez 2-7-3 Levine 3-1
1 a-All On Me(L),122 H Parra 2-2-4 Iadisernia 15-1
3 Chandas(L),120 A Garcia 9-x-x Asmussen 6-1
4 Southern Hero(L),120 J Velazquez 4-4-8 Lobo 10-1
5 Triple Glory(L),120 R Dominguez 8-2-3 Barbara 12-1
6 St. Augustine(L),120 J Lezcano 2-3-8 Zito 9-2
7 Peytons Heart(L),120 J Samyn 5-7-8 PKelly 30-1
8 Spy Bruce(L),120 J Chavez 9-8-x Brown 30-1
9 Orthodontist(L),120 D Cohen 6-x-x Everett 12-1
10 Hangingonthefuture(L),120 J Espinoza 6-5-7 Serpe 15-1
11 Macho Mambo(L),115 A Casey 4-10-8 Tesher 30-1
12 We Get It(L),120 J Bermudez 3-5-5 Gullo 15-1
1A a-Unlikely Hero(L),122 K Castillo 6-7-x Iadisernia 15-1
13 Captain Booyah(L),120 M Luzzi 6-5-2 Dutrow 5-1

[illuminati]

Through the binocs

According to Greg Avioli, president and CEO of the Breeders' Cup, "If (European superstar) Sea The Stars were to run in the Classic (Nov. 7 at Santa Anita), I seriously believe there would be an additional 10,000 fans and an extra $10 million of wagering handle."
In that case, since the BC proposed to jack up the winner's share of the $5M Classic by $1M if both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta were to run, shouldn't the BC make the same offer to Sea The Stars' connections?
* Upstate newspapers yesterday overflowed with positive comments about next year's four-day extension of the Saratoga meet that was announced by NYRA on Wed., with all quotes coming from owners of hotels, restaurants and other local businesses, or racetrackers who own homes in Spa city. But many NYRA employees, already grumpy about relocating for six weeks out of their summer, are less than thrilled.

FIRST RACE: Tough trip for Shug McGaughey's 3-year-old filly Siren Serenade, Edgar Prado up, 3-5 favorite after photo-finish loss at even-money in maiden race on Spa lawn. Racing down backside going mile on Widener course, 12-1 Maid of Flowers set pace many paths off rail under Rajiv Maragh, with Siren Serenade tracking her inside. Heading into far turn, Prado launched his bid up rail, but Maid of Flowers suddenly dropped over sharply to cut corner, shutting off Siren Serenade and forcing Prado to check. Around turn, Upper Gulch went up to engage Maid of Flowers, as Siren Serenade swung outside with another rally. She caught and passed Upper Gulch mid-stretch, but only led for blink of an eye as 5-2 Cruisin'nthebridle charged past her outside under patient ride by Ramon Dominguez.
SECOND RACE: WinStar Farm 2-year-old colt Rule (by Roman Ruler) was 6-5 favorite for Pletcher-Velazquez, stretching out from seven furlongs to mile after just missing in Sept. 5 maiden race at Saratoga. He set pace pressed by 9-1 Ice Box, took command top of stretch, was all-out to maintain his advantage to the wire. Bank the Eight, 4-1 first time out for Tony Dutrow, was along for second. I've Got the Fever, under snug hold by Edgar Prado rating off the pace, rallied outside around turn to loom boldly top of stretch but lacked the needed late kick and settled for third.
THIRD RACE: Felt like we were back at Saratoga in this grass dash, $65,000 Memories of Silver overnight stakes, with Linda Rice-trained mares running 1-2. Tar Heel Mom, 5-1 making her grass debut under Edgar Prado, and Rice's Mohegan Sky, 9-2 with Alan Garcia up, locked horns in speed duel down backside, around turn to mid-stretch, when Mohegan Sky began to edge away, then Rice's Karakorum Elektra, 6-1 under Cornelio Velasquez, came running outside to take the lead. In battle to wire, dead-game Mohegan Sky came on again to poke her nose in front for a stride or two, but Karakorum Elektra won the bob. Lindelaan, 5-2 favorite, had to steady behind Rice's pair rallying in mid-stretch, settled for third under Rajiv Maragh.
EIGHTH RACE: Seemed like old times as Nick Zito's Da' Tara, winless in nine starts since 38-1 upset in 2008 Belmont Stakes and eased last out after setting pace in Rachel's Woodward, dashed off to daylight lead under John Velazquez at 9-2. Turning for home, he shook off bid from 4-1 Brother Nick, but then reality set in as Da' Tara was passed by 9-2 Retriever mid-stretch, followed by 2-1 favorite Ea, who rallied under Ramon Dominguez to take command late. Da' Tara, blinkers on, surprisingly held for third.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers: 1-7-3-5-4-7
Winners (6 of 6) each receives $1,640
Consolation (5 of 6) winners paid $32.80
No carryover

[illuminati]

Can't get Battaglia today

[illuminati]

Dave Litfin

BEST BET: Magical Solution (7th race)


First Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The Roundhouse 2. Nergal 3. Expansion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Friday's opener is switched to dirt, THE ROUNDHOUSE was narrowly beaten for second at Presque Isle last out in a $250k stake won by $500k earner Cherokee Artist; stretch runner has won his last two allowance races on dirt, all the more formidable if it's wet. On turf, NERGAL was good enough to beat Sword Dancer winner Telling at Keeneland second time out this year; consistent veteran runs well fresh, handles rain-softened ground. EXPANSION finished with a flourish to get through N2x condition on the sixth try; shortens up and gives five pounds to all.

Second Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Lady's Wish 2. Timely Command 3. Eleni's Hope

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LADY'S WISH was in tight quarters through the stretch when third behind 19-10 favorite Selenes Delight at Monmouth last out; gets switch back to Cornelio V., who was aboard for maiden win on this course first time in blinkers. TIMELY COMMAND has been hanging up competitive figures recently, and is still relatively fresh making just fifth start of the year; figures close with A. P. LIGHT, but both are tough to trust at 1 for 16. ELENI'S HOPE (post 11 at Delaware) and BAREFOOT BABE (post 10 at Monmouth) didn't break from the best spots as beaten favorites last out.

Third Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Don't Forget Gil 2. Bubbly Jane 3. Diamond Dina

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If switched to dirt, DON'T FORGET GIL was good enough to get second in the slowest CCA Oaks on record here July 25; wrong setup prompting the pace on soft first (and probably last) time on turf in the Garden City. On turf, BUBBLY JANE split horses and finished gamely to edge BORROWING BASE in U.S. debut this course and trip; Brazilian import moves up if the turf is something other than firm. DIAMOND DINA must be respected off 8 for 19 turf record and Dutrow claim; pace factor with ZASKAR once again.

Fourth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Lemon Mambo 2. Paniolo 3. Hudson Landing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEMON MAMBO drifted very wide while racing greenly in the mud first time out; has since trained well on the grass, may improve quickly in blinkers. PANIOLO showed improved tactical speed with blinkers on for second try, chasing wire-to-wire Exhi to the turn and finishing evenly; dangerous off drop from special-weights. HUDSON LANDING found best stride late in off-the-turf dash second out; becomes one to beat in the event of switch to dirt.

Fifth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Singing My Song 2. Solid Citizen 3. Amelia the Cat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SINGING MY SONG made a couple starts on the grass when returned from an extended absence with a trainer change; Terranova's current 8 for 19 record with turf-to-dirt types and several crisp workouts recently bode well for the surface switch. SOLID CITIZEN returned from a five-month layoff with a wide trip at Monmouth; solidly backed both starts. AMELIA THE CAT never got untracked on the grass from post 11 last time; figures close off placing over the main track two back.

Sixth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Bestowed 2. Cliff Meadows 3. Greg Got Even

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BESTOWED was in traffic through the final stages on soft turf last out, but second start back from 13-month hiatus was a big effort to just miss in 12-horse field; class call for $16k. CLIFF MEADOWS has a solid 3-2-2 record from eight turf starts, but may actually be a bigger threat if it rains and this race is switched to wet dirt; made up 12 lengths to the stretch call first time off the claim. GREG GOT EVEN steadied early and finished well along the inside, as Willsboro Point went wire to wire through slow fractions Aug. 13; deserving favorite if race comes off the turf.

Seventh Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Magical Solution 2. Roaring Belle 3. Rosalie's Dance

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAGICAL SOLUTION showed some early speed and recorded a layover figure in debut; hard to go past dropping to $35k. ROARING BELLE chased 4-5 winner throughout and held well to decision four of these in bow. ROSALIE'S DANCE puts blinkers on after a Beyer pair-up on dirt and turf to begin career; can make presence felt with a few lengths of improvement.

Eighth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Fearless Vision 2. Stungbythestorm 3. Richland Creek

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FEARLESS VISION hasn't been out in seven months, but won off a longer absence at Belmont back in July '08, and returns at his best distance; one-time stakes goes first time for Dutrow, who usually has steep dropdowns ready to fire. STUNGBYTHESTORM hooked a tough customer first out at the meet in Girolamo, who is pointing to the Grade 2 Jerome; moves up if he catches an off track. RICHLAND CREEK ran well in his only previous turf-to-dirt situation; back to winning level second time off the claim.

Ninth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Frenchonionsoup 2. St. Augustine 3. Orthodontist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRENCHONIONSOUP rallied wide and came up second best in a fast $16k heat off a seven-week break, with the winner coming back to win via disqualification at the N2L level; dislikes wet tracks so adjust accordingly. ST. AUGUSTINE has been on wet tracks (good, muddy and sloppy) all five starts this year; beat half the field in special-weight unveiling on a fast track here last fall. ORTHODONTIST checked at the break and wound up beaten only two lengths for second in turf sprint first out; took some money that day. TRIPLE GLORY is making his 17th attempt, but comes off his two fastest figures and belongs in exotics.

[illuminati]

THE INSIDE POST: SANTA ANITA