I like these types of grass races restricted to 3 yr. olds, since it usually makes for a competitive field. This particular race is no exception. Hopefully, it stays on the turf and does not scratch down (scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast).
I’m leaning toward #2 Dame Ellen (4-1) trained by Chad Brown. Check out the replay of her nwx1 win (21May09Bel7). Multiple runners experienced trouble in this race, including Dame Ellen who waited behind horses into the stretch, checked at the 1/8th pole before taking the lead and holding off an older filly for the win. Dame Ellen is 3 2-1-0 on the grass and is a last-out winner on the Belmont turf. This is the MO that wins these kinds of races. Also, Brown has given her 3 good works since her Belmont win. The filly seems primed to take another step forward. One negative is John Velazquez moves to #3 La Rocca (5-1) while Jose Lezcano rides Dame Ellen (solid winning % for J/T combo of Brown/Lezcano).
Let's put $20 to win on Dame Ellen.
Check out Thursday’s 7th race results for a better line on Dame Ellen’s last race.
Even if this race is rained off, there are enough main track only entrants to make it a solid Friday feature. Enjoy!