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Jeff Siegel: National Prime Plays | Friday, September 17

by Jeff Siegel

September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021

Belmont Park – Race 4. Post time: 2:34 ET
1 – Miss You Ella (3-1)


The known element doesn’t inspire in this maiden turf mile for juveniles so let’s go with a nicely-bred first-timer with a series of solid works for a high percentage trainer-jockey team. This daughter of Declaration of War has trained like she’s plenty fit for a major effort first crack out of the box, and this C. Brown-trained filly should have every chance from her favorable rail draw to show her best stuff. With I. Ortiz, Jr. in the saddle, she looks like a live item at 3-1 on the morning line.


Belmont Park – Race 7. Post time: 4:12 ET
6 – Big Everest (7/2)


Lightly-raced sophomore is Improving with each outing and was quite sharp in victory when graduating over a mile on turf at Saratoga last time out. The English-bred colt displayed an exciting late turn of foot to win going away, and though stepping into stakes company today seems likely to settle early and blast home late over a sprint distance that should complement his style. Regular pilot J. Rosario stays aboard, so at 7/2 on the morning line the C. Clement-trained colt should offer excellent wagering value.


Belmont Park – Race 8. Post time: 4:44 ET
5 - Caldee (4-1)


Three-year-old daughter of More Than Ready ran quite well in a pair of out-of-town stakes races, finishing second in the Christiana S. at Delaware Park in July and then most recently winding up a close second in the in the Preview Dueling Grounds Oaks S. at Ellis Park last month. The B. Cox-trained filly has been routing most of her career but should greatly appreciate this shortening to six furlongs, especially in a field that lacks her kind of early speed. With aggressive handling from M. Franco, she could take control early and never look back, so at 4-1 on the morning line we’ll make her a win play and rolling exotic single.