Ogden Phipps - June 18th, 2011

Race Conditions:          Grade 1, 3+, F/M, 8.5F, Dirt, Belmont Park

Race Class Par:                            102 
Race Class Rating:                        98
Winner's Time/Quality Rating:      99

Pace:                                            Fast Early, Average/Slow Middle, Average Late
Track Bias:                                    Honest

Race Comments: The 2011 Ogden Phipps Acorn was reduced to a field of 5 with the late scratch of Unrivaled Belle who was expected to be a primary contender.  That left the small field as more of a Grade 2 event than the official Grade 1 designation.


Notable Performances:

1.  Awesome Maria stalked the fast pace of Absinthe Minded, took over when the latter began to weaken, was immediately joined by Life At Ten, repulsed her bid, and drew clear. 4YO mare is undefeated in 2011 and seems ready to take take on the legitimate leaders of the division. I still rate her a notch below the best. 


2. Payton d'Oro sat off the pace not far behind Life At Ten while wide on the backstretch,  dropped back off that one into the turn while remaining 3 wide, swung out further late turn and into the stretch and finished well.


3. Life At Ten was off quickly and taken under a snug hold, remained close to the fast pace while 3 wide, made a strong bid 3/4 wide late turn and into the stretch, but weakened.  This may have been her best effort so far in 2011, but she's still not near her peak form from 2010.

4. Super Espresso sat  inside not too far too off the pace behind horses, moved closer, and finished OK while picking off tired horses.  Perfect trip.