The BEL Gold Cup
BEL   Race #6   1 1/2m   Turf   Stake
Purse $300.00 (plus up to $38.00 for NY-breds)  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Cryptic Choice, trained by Mb Stables
The great thing about this race is that with no three year olds we are left with a wide
open contest. This lightly raced four year old has been impressive in his last two runs
winning comfortably in overnights at this type of extreme distance. His works are pretty
good and with the one alley and a trainer who often brings lightly raced horses to
victory in this type of event he must have a very big chance. The only real blip on his
record is when he was tried in the Pacific Classic at the end of last year but whilst that
was an ordinary effort he was only three and should be forgiven that run.

2 Five Daddy Darling, trained by Night Rider Stables
This six year old has only won four from 31 attempts but has proved himself a tough turf
stayer and should once again run his heart out. His works are quick and he has managed a
few good placings in decent company but i am not sure he has the X Factor that will be
needed to win today.

3 Mean Street, trained by Nakamura Stables
This six year old looks the real deal winning his last three with two of those being in
graded stakes. He was huge in the Elkhorn last time winning by a comfortable two lengths
from a similar draw. He had some very good horses behind him that day and to be honest nothing
in this race looks that sort of calibre unless Sweet Son can overcome a poor run of form and
a wide draw. Three from three this year he could easily make it four from four in this.

4 Vegas Viper, trained by John Henry
This new trainer has been buying up a storm and throws this one in here after a $100 purchase
from Maxmillion Farm. Winner of the greenwood last year over this trip but on dirt he clearly
wont be inconvenienced by the trip and he handled the turf when winning the Connally BC Turf
a couple back suggesting he has every chance in this. If his trainer can overcome their lack
of experience he will be right in it at the end.

5 Royal Integrity, trained by Aer Stables
Picked up from a claimer he then won two in a row including The Smith Handicap and looked like
the find of last season. This year however he hasnt really found his feet and seems to have
declined with his form as the races pass by. He is still working well enough but at the ripe
old age of eight his best wins may be behind him.

6 Make A Decision, trained by D J C Racing Stables
With 23 money finishes from 30 races you cannot fault the effort he puts in. He does however
seem to find a few too good for him and that may happen again today. Dont write him off a place
though.

7 March Madness, trained by La Rosa Stables
Ran a cracker in The Wood ford Turf Classic last time ending up a closing fourth and seems at
the age of six to be holding his form pretty well. As tough and game as he is though he has only
won one race in the last two years and he may again find a few too tough. He is the biggest money
earner in the race though and is sure to be pushing them hard.

8 Sweet Son, trained by Australia Wide
With only eight races under his belt and a wide draw today he may find this a bit tough. Having
said that he won the Pattison Canadian International as a three year old over this trip so
clearly ticks a few boxes. This season has been pretty slow to get going for him hitting the
board twice in overnights but failing to impress. He will certainly have his supporters but a wide
draw and iffy form override his work times and grade one win.

SUMMARY

I think this is Mean Streets race to lose so if all goes well i expect him to be winning. Second
and third will be hotly contested with Cryptic Choice, Vegas Viper, March Madness and Sweet Son
fighting it out.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded