by Jeff Siegel
July 3, 2022
Belmont Park – Fourth Race. Post time: 2:32 ET
6-Legends Can’t Die (4-1)
Finally makes it to the post in the second half of his 3-year-old season and hopefully will show that the wait was worth it. Brought $350,000 at the 2021 OBS April Sale after smoking two furlongs in a sales-topping 20 3/5 seconds, doing so with a smooth, quick-actioned stride that should easily handle grass. The George Weaver-trained sophomore gelding appears fit and ready to pop at first asking against what looks to be a moderate band of older maidens, so let’s make him a strong play at anywhere near his morning line of 4-1.
Churchill Downs – Tenth race. Post time: 5:26 ET
7-Drink the Wind (4-1)
Didn’t get the best of runs in his recent comeback when a willing third in a similar maiden sprint last month but with a better break today the son of More Than Ready should be quick enough to get loose on the lead in this seven furlong affair. In that race last month, the Wayne Catalano-trained sophomore was in heavy traffic and forced to steady repeatedly along rail down the backstretch, finally found clear sailing entering the lane and kept to his task before galloping out with interest. With the switch to leading pilot Tyler Gaffalione and in a field without much zip, this gelding will have no excuses, so at 4-1 on the morning line there should be good value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.