The Nerud – GII [BC]
7/6/19
BEL Race 2 7F – Dirt
Purse $300.000
Three Year Old and Up

A field of twelve sprinters are going to be going into the gates for this years running of the grade two Nerud here at Belmont Park and they will be trying to earn a spot in the Breeders Cup Sprint. Let’s take a look at the field of twelve.

1. Broken Tap (14-6-4-2 $691.400), trained by Arindel

The first runner that we come across in the field right here and this horse is coming into this race off of almost a six month layoff. Seven furlongs does seem to be his best distance but this is a very tough spot to come off of a layoff in. He will have to run huge.

2. Sonar (26-12-4-2 $992.160), trained by John Henry

The next runner in the field is a pretty good horse when he runs his best race. He did in the grade one Carter Handicap earlier this year when he won that race but in his last two races he has ran some clunkers. If he runs his best he has a shot but who knows if he will.

3. Cat Whisperer (19-7-4-4 $476.340), trained by Onlineracingclub.com

The third runner that we come across in this race is this horse right here and he is coming off of a clunker in the grade two Triple Bend. He definitely did not run his best that day for some reason. He likes to come from way back so a quick pace will help him out for sure.

4. Along For The Ride (23-5-5-4 $449.420), trained by Fractious

Another one that is coming out of the grade two Triple Bend in his last start right here and he ran a big race that day to run second. He also won the grade two Kona Stakes before that with a nice run. If he stays true to form from his last two races he will have a good chance.

5. Z One Chance (21-8-6-1 $1,445.540), trained by John Henry

An old class horse right here and also a versatile horse for sure. He just ran second in the grade one Shoemaker Mile which was on the turf. He can handle the dirt no problem though and he does like the seven furlong distance. Every time he is in he has a chance to win.

6. Fahrenheit (10-3-2-2 $284.720), trained by Mb Stables

Surprisingly the only Mb Stables runner in this field and he just ran a huge second in the grade one Stephens over this same track and distance on Belmont Stakes weekend. He ran a very good race that day but now he faces older but I think he will be able to handle it no problem.

7. Out On A Limb (28-8-5-2 $1,817.220), trained by Estero Farms

The next runner here is a horse who is a grade one winner when he won the grade one Whitney last year. Since Estero Farms purchased him though he has mainly been sprinting him. He did win the grade three Toboggan but that was on a sloppy track. He will have to run huge.

8. Viper Command (10-3-1-2 $351.500), trained by Aer Stables

And here was the winner of the grade one Stephens right here as this horse took the gate to wire that day. He ran a huge race on the lead that day but I do not think that those same tactics will work in here I think he has a pretty good chance to get something done in here.

9. Socraties (30-8-6-4 $813.660), trained by T Boy Racing

Well here is my runner and he just ran an okay fifth in the grade one Metropolitan Handicap. That was a pretty tough field and he didn’t run that bad at all and I do think the seven furlongs is his best distance. I don’t know if he can win it but he shows up every time.

10. Socotra Island (10-5-0-1 $304.800), trained by Nynl Stables

Another three year old here and this horse is coming into this race off of a win in the grade three Barerra Stakes at Santa Anita. He ran a very solid rrace that day and showed he can win a big race. I don’t know if he is good enough but he will give it a shot for sure.

11. Cardinal Direction (12-3-1-2 $344.320), trained by D J C Racing Stables

Another one that is coming out of the grade one Stephens right here and this was the fourth place finisher that day. He also ran in the Derby this year but he was next to last in there. I do think he is better sprinting but I don’t really see him winning this race.

12. Audioslave (21-6-0-5 $768.680), trained by Alydar Stables

And the final runner in the field here is coming into this spot off of two turf races. He ran eleventh in the grade one Jaipur last out but I do think he is better on dirt. He is a grade one winner over seven furlongs and if he brings his best race he might do okay.

13. Gold Sunset (12-2-1-2 $135.460), trained by Maze Stables 

Also Eligible 

Summary

A big competitive field here for sure and I could see quite a few getting the win if they have some racing luck. My top pick is going to be Along For The Ride as he is in good form and looks tough. Good luck to all in the field.

4-8-6-9

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