Dr Greenfield, an invader from Europe (arrived at Belmont Park at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday after clearing a 36-hour quarantine and making the 90 minute van ride from Newburgh, N.Y.), is a steady galloper whose style should be condusive to running well in the 1 1/2 mile race of races. He has never faced horses of this caliber, but the one time he raced on dirt, in Britain, he won. Dr Greenfield broke his maiden on the dirt in England as a 2-year-old, and has since gone 2-for-2 as a 3-year-old in races on the turf. Grandera, the horse who finished second to Dr Greenfield in his last win, came back to finish third in the French Derby, demonstrating a positive for Dr. Greenfield's form. He also figures to thrive at the distance. Trainer Gerard Butler, who is an outstanding sleeper type of trainer, likes his chances of running well Saturday. The Dr. is a big horse who looks (bloodlines)like he can run all day, and he has the perfect style for the Belmont. "The pace of this race sets up perfect for him. He'll be sitting third or fourth about 7-10 lengths off the lead," said Barry Irwin, The Dr's Owner. Irwin's Team Valor has had success in the past with bringing an English-trained horse over for the Belmont Stakes. My Memoirs finished second to A.P. Indy at 18-1 in 1992.
Another Sleeper is Thunder Blitz who finished powerfully to be fourth in the Derby, and could come from far back again, though new rider Jerry Bailey figures to have him closer than usual. The rest may help him.
Point Given has the potential to romp from the 1 1/4 mark, but I'll play him in my exactas.
Good luck and this is my stab at the longshots.
Another Sleeper is Thunder Blitz who finished powerfully to be fourth in the Derby, and could come from far back again, though new rider Jerry Bailey figures to have him closer than usual. The rest may help him.
Point Given has the potential to romp from the 1 1/4 mark, but I'll play him in my exactas.
Good luck and this is my stab at the longshots.
