The Pennine Ridge
I never understood why Pennine Ridge had a race named for him, but he did so here we are. They have a short field of six set to go a mile and an eighth on the inner turf at Belmont. The following week is the Belmont Stakes, Met Mile, and all that goes with it.
For today we’ll look at the Pennine Ridge and see what shakes out.
Daunt is second off the bench and breaking from the rail. He would need to improve considerably to contend. I don’t see it.
Limited Liability is a runner. He has a nice late turn of foot and if he gets the pace to run into, he can make plenty of noise. He was wide and far back off the lay-off at Keeneland in his three-year old debut and got up late. I am not sure he gets the set-up he needs, but he can run.
Napoleonic War is where I land. The other Chad who may wind up not being the other Chad. Prat winds up here after Manny Franco lands on Unanimous Consent. I think Prat will get jump on the deeper closers and that might make the difference. This is a nice colt just learning the game and has plenty of potential for better.
Elizar is first time US, first time Clement, and first-time turf. Prove it.
Emmanuel is interesting. He makes his turf debut for Todd Pletcher after four starts on the dirt including the Fountain of Youth and Blue Grass. He has speed on the dirt when he wants to use it and id bred for the grass top and bottom. He can be pretty scary if Irad puts him on the lead and dares them to come and get him.
Unanimous Consent is the morning line chalk from Chad and where Manny Franco landed after riding both Chad’s horses to wins last out. I prefer the other one. This colt is three for three at three different courses. That is tough to knock but I will go against him so the shorter his price the more I like taking a contrarian approach.
We are doing a Free Belmont Stakes seminar that will include a replay. Check out and watch Past the Wire for details and to make sure you get in! As usual we will try and crush it and have you as ready as can be. Don’t miss it!