The Beldame - October 1, 2011

Race Conditions:          Grade 1,  3+, F/M, 9F,  Dirt,  Belmont Park

Race Class Par:                            107 
Race Class Rating:                       101

Winner's Time/Quality Rating:     103

Pace:  Fast/Average Early;  Average Middle;  Slow/Average Late

Track Condition and Bias:  Muddy and sealed; tilted towards speed in one turn races, insufficient information to evaluate two turn races

Race Comments:  Havre de Grace dominated a small and shallow field of fillies and mares and verified her position at the top of the division and as a major contender in the BC Classic.   



Notable Performances:

1. Havre de Grace - Settled nicely on the outside, moved a bit prematurely when Royal Delta made a move on the leader from the inside, 3W turn, took over late turn, drew off, and won with plenty of energy in reserve.

Earlier in the year I didn't think Havre de Grace was good enough to beat Grade 1 older males going 10F on dirt in the Classic.  I still have my doubts because it's such an incredibly difficult assignment for a mare.  However, with Tiznow and Twilight Candy missing their final preps, a 3YO division that has generally failed to step forward, and a relatively weak older horse division other than Flat Out, she has to be given a good chance.  (I'll comment on Uncle Mo in a future entry)

2. Royal Delta - Moved a bit prematurely on the leader on the backstretch, dropped back a little inside, stayed inside but off the rail on the turn, came out late turn, but was no match.

Royal Delta was aided by a perfect trip in the Alabama and by being the only filly suited to the 10F distance. She'll clearly be a contender in the Ladies Classic with Blind Luck out for the year and Havre de Grace going into the Classic, but I think she's mildly overrated relative to some of the other 3YO fillies off two perfect trip wins (at least at this stage).  She fits with them, but she's not better by nearly as much as the Alabama indicated.