The Kelso Handicap – GIII
9/21/19
BEL Race 7 1M – Dirt
Purse $300.000
Three Year Olds and Up

A full field of twelve milers have been entered up for this years running of the grade three Kelso Handicap here over the Belmont oval. It is a one turn mile here at Belmont. There was one scratch but the also eligible does draw in. Let’s take a look at the field.

1. Minutes Hand (22-5-3-3 $436.190), trained by Mb Stables

The first runner we come across here is coming into this race off of a closing fourth place finish in the grade two San Diego Handicap at Del Mar about two months ago. He ran pretty good in there that day and was rolling late. I think if the pace is fast he could be closing late.

2. Sonador (14-5-1-3 $298.530), trained by Night Rider Stables

The first of two for Night Rider Stables right here and this horse is coming off of a third place finish in the grade three WV Govenors Stakes at Mountaineer. He ran good that day and was barely beat a length. If he sits off of it a little bit he should be alright.

3. Roombound (33-9-8-4 $357.060), trained by Night Rider Stables

The other entry for Night Rider Stables as his two runners will be side by side and this horse just won a statebred optional claimer at Saratoga in front running fashion. He won very easy that day but he will have a lot tougher task in here especially if he tries to take them gate to wire.

4. Pass Me By (17-9-2-2 $748.230), trained by RNP Stables

A five length winner in his last start but it was on an off track and on the turf in a three horse field. He still did win very easy in there but this is a way bigger field and it is a lot tougher competition. He will have to run a big race to have a chance in here.

5. Dogs Noah (20-3-2-5 $302.630), trained by Maxmillion Farm

The first of two for Maxmillion Farm here and this one is coming into this race off of a third in the grade two San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. He ran pretty good that day and was beaten less than a length. He usually shows speed so a slow pace will help him out.

6. Smoking Makes You Il (14-3-3-1 $141.960), trained by Maxmillion Farm

The other Maxmillion Farm entry right here and this horse is coming into this race off of a nose defeat in the ALB Handicap. He usually hangs out towards the rear so a quick pace up front will help his stretch running style out.

7. Air Show (41-9-4-4 $820.830), trained by Mb Stables

The second runner for Mb Stables right here and this horse is also coming out of the ALB Handicap but he ran a bad fifth in there that day. His last three races have not been very good at all so he will have to make a big turnaround to have any shot in here.

8. Brady Is A Lady (11-2-3-1 $442.800), trained by Sharis Stables

One of the two three year olds right here and this horse is coming into this race off of a fourth place finish in the grade one Travers at Saratoga. He likes Belmont also and I think if he sits a couple lengths off the lead that will be his best shot to get a win.

9. Charleys Agent (20-4-7-0 $527.680), trained by Fractious

And now to this horse who will be making his first start for his new trainer in this race. His last start was a not so good sixth in a grade three up at Woodbine. His career best would be able to win this race but who knows if he will run that type of race.

10. Creepy Palace (24-6-8-4 $1,268.220), trained by D J C Racing Stables

The first of two for D J C Racing Stables right here and this horse has ran second in two different grade ones this year including the Met Mile here at Belmont. His last race wasn’t great but the two before that were very good. If he runs his best race he will win this race.

11. Caydens Camel (22-6-4-3 $480.000), trained by D J C Racing Stables

The second runner for D J C Racing Stables right here and this horse is a graded stakes winner on the year but his last two races have not been that great. The main problem with this hhorse is his best running has been sprinting so he will have to stretch out without any problems.

12. Game Cent (19-7-5-3 $262.740), trained by Mb Stables

Scratched

13. Alliance Command (10-4-3-0 $51.830), trained by Nakamura Stables

The last runner in the field right here and the other three year old in the field also. He is coming into this race off of a win in an allowance race at Ellis going six furlongs. All of his best races have been sprinting and he has a tough spot so I don’t see him winning this.

Summary

A big field here with some very nice runners but there is not necessarily a stand out in here. My top pick is going to be Creepy Palace and those two grade one runner ho finishes he had had this year. Good luck to all in the field.

10-8-2-6

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