Belmont | Race 9 | Post Time 5:20 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs 
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The two fillies likely to attract the bulk of public support are Bacchanalia and Sorrentina Lemon, and for good reason. The former would be difficult for this field to handle if able to run back to her most recent start at Gulfstream. She was probably best that day when just missing to the talented Silver Kitten after getting a wide trip behind a slow pace. The problem is that Bacchanalia (#6) hasn’t been seen for over 6 months since then. She’s successfully returned from long layoffs before, but she did run her best race last time after she had a start under her belt. I’m using her prominently, but I prefer her main rival.

SORRENTINA LEMON (#3) seems like a filly who still has room to improve in just her fifth career start. She showed promise right from the start of her career, but has had trouble putting races back-to-back. Therefore, I think it’s a good sign that Christophe Clement is finally able to run her back just 4 weeks after her return at Kentucky Downs last time. She ran an excellent race that day but just fell a little short. If she can get back into the form that we saw out of her in the Winter Memories last year she’ll be tough to beat. Furthermore, she may possess a tactical advantage over her main rival in a paceless race.

I also wouldn’t completely discount Bramble Queen (#1). This 9-time winning mare is a real overachiever and just seems to always show up with a solid effort. She showed that she could compete against good horses in the Ballston Spa over the summer and was just unfortunate to catch a loose-on-the-lead Xenobia at Monmouth last time.

THE PLAY

Win: 3
Exacta: 3 with 1,5,6
Trifecta: 3 with 1,6 with ALL