Hope we’re not getting in a rut here, but on Saturday we were attracted to the “other Chad” in a pair of stakes races. In today’s featured Point of Entry at Belmont Park, we’re keying on the “other Todd.”
But Pillar Mountain (3-1) may be the more fancied of the Pletcher-trained entry ante post, or at least co-favorite with uncoupled mate Noble Indy (2-1).
The Kodiak four year old has been toiling at the distance in recent mile and a half turf marathons, but not against what he meets today and there were other circumstances at play as well.
Last out, the Pletcher trainee showed very little at the G3 level, but many horses don’t handle the Kentucky Downs surface and/or odd configuration. Previously he was beaten 5-1/4 lengths at the G1 level. He was in the race throughout but could not handle those rivals.
He should handle this group and it’s interesting to note that he was a winner over this course at the summer meet. Now he’s back with good spacing and he reunites with white hot Joel Rosario, aboard for his two most recent wins.
Taking Pillar Mountain to win at 2-1 or greater, and exacta key-boxes with long-winded Red Knight (7-2) and Arrocha (6-1), making his second start after the Brad Cox freshening.
YESTERDAY: Cafe Americano was victimized by the glacial pace, costing him any chance. Manny Franco was loaded all the way but never gave Olendon a fair chance. Desert Encounter entered the gate at 2-1, won, and returned 3-2. Computers strike.
