The Soaring Softly Stakes

On Saturday at Belmont Park they will run The Soaring Softly at 7 furlongs on the turf. The field is small, but I think I found a spot I like.

Lady Beth moves to the grass from a synthetic (Tapeta) debut at Gulfstream Park back in February. It looks like after that first our route win, not the easiest thing to do, that she was pointed for and targeted this spot. She gets Prat, is bred for grass, was good enough to take that debut, and should like the surface switch and cut back to the one-turn 7 eighths of a mile. The Gulfstream was originally scheduled for the grass, so it is safe to assume this is where she belongs. I land here.

Love Appeals likely goes off the favorite. She’s legit and Lady Beth will have to move up to beat her, but I believe with the cut back and new surface she can. She will also be 3 times the price in a small field.

American Apple is the most experienced of these fillies. That may help her, but she looks a cut below to me despite running somewhat OK in the Breeders’ Cup at two.

Queen Picasso is the one I am most concerned with in here. She also won her lone start and debut at Gulfstream. That was in a turf route from the tough 11 post, and she stalked and stayed throughout. She’s well-bred and cuts back to 7 furlongs. She’s dangerous in here but also must improve against winners the first time.

Quarrel goes first time as a three-year-old. She looks in deep waters to me even considering she may go forward.

Senior Prank gets another furlong to work with but that doesn’t look like enough to me.

I’ll take a shot with Lady Beth. I think she runs a big one here and can get it done.

I hope some of you followed along and rode with us on National Treasure. This game is always great when you’re right.

Enjoy the races!