BetPTC Blog / Weekend Stakes Preview
By: Ed Meyer
Belmont
Race #8 – The G3 Noble Damsel – 1 mile turf – 4:51pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #5 – Significant Form / #4 – Capla Temptress / #2 – Stella di Camelot
#5 Significant Form is 3rd off the layoff for Chad Brown who is winning 29% at the meet. She is 3 for 4 ITM at Belmont and got in up the shadow of the wire with John Velasquez last time out. She’s a stalker bred for the turf and Johnny V has been riding exceptionally well this meet winning 27%. #4 Capla Temptress is a daughter of Lope De Vega (IRE) for Bill Mott and Jose Lezcano. A closer who fits well and makes her first start in 49 days. Her last race in the De La Rose showed very positive signs moving forward. #2 Stella di Camelot comes in for Chad Brown and Javier Castellano. 2 for 2 ITM at Belmont and comes off a 49 day layoff. She’ll be a late mover and will hit high gear in the homestretch.
Race #10 – The G2 Kelso – 1 mile – 5:57 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #2 – True Timber / #3 – Pat on the Back / #7 – Tale of Silence
#2 True Timber is a son of Mineshaft coming to post for Kiaran McLaughlin and Joe Bravo. Takes a big drop in class and is 4 for 5 ITM over the track. Been away for 5 mo and the barn can get them ready to fire at first asking. #3 Pat on the Back enters for Jeremiah Englehardt and Dylan Davis. A speedy son of Congrats who is 10 for 10 ITM at Bel. Stepping up from New York company and gets the big acid test today. #7 – Tale of Silence goes to post for Barclay Tagg and Javier Castellano. He is 4 for 6 ITM over the track and is a closing type runner. His last race was a perfect prep and the rider switch is a positive sign.
Parx
Race #10- The G-1 Cotillion – 1 1/16 – 5:14 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #8 – Guarana / #1 – Serengeti Empress / #10 – Bellafina
#8 Guarana is a daughter of Ghostzapper for Chad Brown and Jose Ortiz. A perfect 3 for 3 and was impressive winning the G1 Acorn and G1 CCA Oaks. She comes in freshened and a bullet work unde3r her belt to be ready. She’ll be winging on the front end if you want to catch her. #1 Serengeti Empress is a Thom Amoss trainee with Irad Ortiz in the irons. She rolls in off a 49 day break and was ultra impressive winning the Oaks earlier this year from the #13 post. Her early style should have her duking it out with the #8 from the gate break. #10 Bellafina is a daughter of Quality Road and adds blinkers once again. Simon Callaghan and Flavien Prat team up and she is a very promising runner who can upset the apple cart.
Race #11- The G1 PA Derby – 1 1/8 – 5:48 pm EDT
BetPTC.com Selections / #7 – Maximum Security / #2 – Improbable / #1 – Math Wizard
#7 Maximum Security is a speedy colt who has done little since the Derby. Jason Servis has done an excellent job bringing him ready and his A game is always on tap. Luis Saez has been the regular pilot since February and they fit like a glove. I think we’ll see him go right to the front and take it from there. If anyone pushes back, he can back off. If nobody pressures he’ll be the engine. He’s been off for two months and Servis has a couple of works under his belt over the course. #2 Improbable is the perfect stalker from the Baffert barn. He can sit back as much as needed and turn up the heat when the real running begins. Mike Smith has the call and is always feared at the windows when the big money is on the line. Should offer up a nice stretch run to be the major danger. #1 Math Wizard is a solid colt who fought the claiming ranks early in his career. He is 7 for 12 ITM lifetime and brings Edgard Zayas to launch a late bid for minor shares.