Belmont Park – 5th race – Curalina (3-1)
Made her four-year-old debut in the La Troienne S.-G1 at Churchill Downs on Derby day and couldn’t have been more impressive. The daughter of Curlin didn’t break all that sharply but quickly moved into a pace-stalking position in hand, hit the front entering the stretch and drew off in powerful style without really being asked for her best. The win resulted in a career top triple-digit Beyer figure, clearly indicating that this Todd Pletcher-trained miss is even better this year than she was as a sophomore in 2015. Both of her prior races over the Belmont Park main track were superior, including last year’s remarkable victory in the Acorn S.-G1 after a brutal start, and in her present form we’re expecting to be on or near the lead throughout once again. Let’s hope we can get close to her 3-1 morning line in the straight pool as well as in rolling exotic play.
Belmont Park – 9th race – 8-Ami’s Flatter (6-1)
Now that his connections have figured out that he’s a one-turn specialist, this Canadian-bred colt looks ready to take his place among the premier older sprinter/milers in North America. His win in the Commonwealth S.-G3 was superb, and his speed figured equaled his career top. Drawn comfortably outside and very likely to receive the same aggressive from Martin Garcia that propelled him to victory at Keeneland, the son of Flatter should draft into an ideal second flight, stalking spot and then have every chance to kick home when set down at the head of the lane. At 6-1 on the morning line he’s a strong straight play and a key horse in rolling exotic play.
