Thoroughbreds Friday - McMudder Picks Races at Belmont, Laurel, Monmouth
Hot and humid . . . Obviously summer has arrived. So what does the punter need to consider when the temperatures are high and the turf is firm? It is more about what to avoid.
The top three things to avoid: 1) Bleeders; 2) Old soft tissue injuries; and 3) Nervous/sweaty horses. Many thoroughbreds have exercise induced lung bleeding. That is the reason for the use of Lasix. Because of fluid balance changes caused by the Lasix, it’s effect on hot days changes and that can be bad, very bad. Because the firm turf courses can become very firm, horses that find the turf to be comfortable in the spring can irritate old injuries now. Sweaty horses run into the same fluid/hydration issues that bleeders do. So calm, cool horses that have tight legs and no old soft tissue injuries need to be the focus on the turf.
Weather: Sunny with possible late-day showers.
● ● ●
Belmont Race 1 (1:30 p.m. ET)
3-Puffery is taking a huge drop for a barn that is very good second off the layoff. Never been on the turf but the pedigree is solid. 2-Ladrona gets back on turf for a barn that has cooled significantly with the NYRA move to Belmont. She needs to find some forgotten form but the short field will help. 1-Theaterintheround is another one that needs to find old form for a new barn. This barn is doing better than the last at Belmont and this mare should move up second off the layoff.
Belmont Race 1
$10 W/P/S 3-Puffery
$2 Exacta box 2,3
$1 Trifecta box 1,2,3
● ● ●
Laurel Race 4 (2:40 p.m.)
Somebody must win this race. Really. 7-Chicken Dinner comes in with the best speed figures but has failed in this spot twice. 6-Pictura picks up checks but the 0-for-17 career does not stimulate confidence. Looking at the others, 2-Chaussette Blanche has some good things going for her here. Hot pace last time and difficult trip could be very different here. The blinkers could help her stay focused but the second trip on board for the pilot should be the biggest help here. And the King needs a win.
Laurel Race 4
$10 W/P/S 2-Chaussette Blanche
$2 Exacta box 2,7
$1 Trifecta box 2,6,7
● ● ●
Monmouth Race 3 (2:09 p.m.)
3-Jump Shot is a first-timer here that comes in with a lot of positives. Solid barn with these and a top jockey. 5-Solar gets back on turf and stands to move up. Top NJ pilot. 9-Sir Hoski enters here for a small barn that does well with these kind. He is bred for this and gets a top pilot.
Monmouth Race 3
$10 W/P/S 3-Jump Shot
$2 Exacta box 3,9
$1 Trifecta box 3,5,9
● ● ●
MICK’S QUICKIES
Belmont Race 8 (5:18 p.m.)
8-Life in Shambles gets on the weeds for the first time in forever. Been running with tougher on dirt and should like today’s going.
Laurel Race 9 (5:22 p.m.)
4-Free Kitty takes a huge step up from her last race but is super competitive at every level. Top barn and pilot.
Monmouth Race 5 (3:00 p.m.)
5-Hope Again needs to improve just a little bit over the last effort.