Saturday September 16, 2000

The  47th Woodward Stakes
8th @ Belmont
All carry 126

 

1. Behrens...Bailey...Has most definitely lost a step or two since his heyday, or has he? He's still a game performer but it could be that all involved tried to stretch just a bit much out of him. Dubai will do that sometimes. He's working as well as ever, which would be expected with 007. Ran well here after the Whitney last year, and this year's effort wasn't too taxing, physically. Could be coming back to his best here which most certainly puts him square in the middle of the exacta picture. 6-3-2-0 at Belmont.

2. Skimming...Gomez...Frankel continues to take no prisoners, but is taking plenty of graded stakes. He must be retiring because his bankroll is increasing at an alarming rate this year. This former turfer broke out at Del Mar winning two on the front end including the Pacific Classic last out. Is he ready for another top effort so soon? Couldn't hold on to the lead at Prairie Meadows vs. Sir Bear, but he did hold off Ecton Park in that race. Turning back an 1/8 here won't hurt his chances.

3. Ecton Park...McCarron...Connections were considering grass in the Belmont BC one race earlier on the card, but must have been enticed with this short field. Runs pretty well 2nd off the shelf and he gets to turn back as well. Didn't slice into a sharp half in the Pacific Classic and the brief rest might have been to blame. As it is, and as much as I like him, I don't think he'll threaten the winner here. Exotics remain a possibility of course. 7-2-2-3 at distance.

4. Gander...Velasquez...Not likely to consider this distance his favorite--especially vs. these. Won a state-bred stake here at the same distance last year. Some spicy works here though. Just enough to cause indigestion for those weeding out the men from the boys--and geldings. Is this his lucky day, or a Grade 1 flameout?

5. Lemon Drop Kid...Prado...Certainly surprised doubters with 2 wins in mud this year. Could this be third? Prelim forecast was for nasty conditions. He's still the bomb in the mornings so until he falters in the afternoon, I have to bow down. This breeding could be the next BIG thing as he has grown into a special talent. Still can't bring himself inside of other runners. That will cost him one of these days. Edgar seems to have him timed to the minute though. Don't expect him to give up the mount any time soon. 8-4-2-1 at Belmont. The King, until otherwise proven.

 

       Value won't be the name of this game as I fully expect Lemon Drop Kid to continue his winning ways. My guess is that in this short field, almost everyone in the free world with cash, and even some with underground jingle, will find their way into his win pool.

        Behrens could be making a last-ditch effort at a divisional title here. Expect a top-notch effort.

        If the track suits him just fine, Ecton Park could get his picture taken here. He'll most certainly grab a piece of this chalky gathering.

                         

 

1. Lemon Drop Kid

2. Behrens

3. Ecton Park

 

RESULTS:

8TH BEL 9-16-2000 47th Woodward 1:50 2/5
5 LEMON DROP KID 126 PRADO E S 3.40 2.20 2.10
1 BEHRENS 126 BAILEY J D 2.90 2.10
4 GANDER 126 VELAZQUEZ J R 2.10
SCRATCHED: NONE
$2 EXACTA 5-1 PAID $7.50

 

© 2000 bBra

BACK