After two unsuccessful attempts in the Withers and the Ruby Stakes to position himself for the Derby, Aer Stables made the move to the shorter seven furlongs distance with Viper Command and he responded with two straight victories.

• The Nerud – Grade II ( BC) Purse $300.000
• Belmont Park – For Three years old and Up
• Seven Furlongs- Main Track
• July 6th, 2019

With his most recent victory coming in the Grade I Stephens event over this very track surface, Viper Command is hoping that the addition of Wilson E J in the irons has also been the key to getting this sophomore to the winner’s enclosure. She will be back aboard once again for this affair and hoping to continue the win streak. Eleven other hopefuls will be looking to squash that dream, as the winner of this event will go on to compete in this seasons BC Sprint if they so desire. So lets look at this seasons lineup;

1. Broken Tap ( Arindel ) Jockey- Saez L – Was purchased just twelve days ago,and his new trainer went right to work in the morning getting this one prepped for this event. Has a bullet five furlong work on the 28th, and a repeat work at that distance four days later. This will be an additional four days off that work, so could it be too much to soon? Trainer is hoping not. Has been away from racing since January. You decide.

2. Sonar ( John Henry ) Jockey- Bejarano R – Won the Grade I Carter three
starts ago, then came up against a sloppy surface for the Gr. I CD placing
ninth, six back. Never seemed to recover from the off track as he would finish tenth in the True North. Change of rider may spring this one back to life as he did post a 1:21.36 time in the Carter, so he has the ability to bring it home.

3. Cat Whisperer ( Onlineracingclub.com ) Jockey- Talamo J – Was making some headway when he made the switch to the turf, capturing a place finish and a victory. Switched back to the dirt and up to two Grade II events in his most recent, but only managed a show finish in the Gr.II Kona Stakes. Has been in the double digits at the betting windows in his past five starts, so that may give an indication of how he will do here. Mid pack player.

4. Along For The Ride ( Fractious ) Jockey- Beschizza A. – Has made all five of his career victories in sprint events, and captured the Gr. II Kona Stakes
title two starts ago ahead of others entered here. Has been away for a little
better then 30 days since he went runner-up in the Gr. II Triple Bends Stakes with a nice closing effort. Has been concentrating all his works over this surface, and that’s a plus. Needs his best today.

5. Z One Chance ( John Henry ) Jockey- Desormeaux K J – Trainer has called upon this rider when competing over the turf going a mile, leading to a runner-up finishes in the Gr. I WO Mile and the Gr. I Shoemaker Mile. Former trainer got him to six victories, one taking home the Triple Bend last season. Has continuously put out good numbers in all his events, and this duo can make their mark at the wire. Factor.

6. Fahrenheit ( Mb Stables ) Jockey – Gaffalione T. – Single entry this time
for this top trainer. This three year old was hoping for more success in the
Florida Derby, but with a sixth place outcome, his vision has been changed. While all his wins have come in route events, he did tackle the seven furlong Gr I Stephens last time out, and impressed handicappers with his runner-up finish. This will be his riders third try on board, and it seems they have built a rapport with one another.

7. Out On A Limb ( Estero Farms ) Jockey- Velasquez J R – One of the top jockeys here at Belmont, climbs back aboard after a failed attempt to win the San Carlos Stakes at SA two starts ago. Trainer has been focusing his morning works here, and will be interesting to see if instructions change and he gets into the mix a little earlier. Does seem to have a preference for the slop, but wont be able to take advantage of that today. May get up for a share.

8. Viper Command ( Aer Stables ) Jockey- Wilson E J – Since Emma has entered the irons, this duo have struck up a friendship on the track that should see another great performance in this race. The distance is definitely to this sophomore’s liking, and we will more then likely see sprint races in his future. Earned his best SRF number of 98 coming out of the Gr. I Stephens, and that should translate well on Saturday. Top honors in my opinion to repeat a third time.

9. Socraties ( T Boy Racing ) Jockey – McCarthy T. – Has won two non graded titles this season in six starts, but was unable to turn that around against Graded company. Did manage a runner-up finish in this years MD Sprint Stakes at PIM two starts ago, then stretched out to a mile in his most recent making a gallant effort late in the stretch. That may have helped build stamina for this event, and if he fires at the right time, could make this one interesting.

10. Socotra Island ( Nynl Stables ) Jockey – Smith M E.- Is coming off a brilliant victory in the Grade III Barrera over at Santa Anita, and that shows he is ready to race. Smith was aboard him in the mud at SA for the San Vincente Stakes where he took home that title as well. Tends to stay close to the front runner early, then make his move down the lane. Distance suits him as he has been consistently averaging a 97 SRF figure. Near the Top.

11. Cardinal Direction ( D J C Racing Stables ) Jockey – Bridgmohan S X. – Another sophomore in this event who was hoping his third place finish in the Florida Derby was going to translate well in the Kentucky Derby. Those dreams never developed and now he drops back to a shorter distance which should suit his running style. Was two lengths back in the Stephens, an event others in here competed in. Maturity will definite be an asset to this one in the future, but i feel he is in tough today.

12. Audioslave ( Alydar Stables ) Jockey- Maragh Ro.- Closed out last season winning the Gr. I Malibu, but since that victory his trainer has been searching for a good fit. His past two starts came on the grass and that was unproductive for him, so its back to the dirt once again. Outside post have also not been good for him, as it has left him out of the picture late. Maragh stays aboard once again, but unless he gets out quick and to the rail, I think this will be another failed attempt. Sorry.

Duffer

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