Adam Coglianese / NYRA Photo

Horologist wins third graded stakes race in Beldame (G2)

by Ryan Martin

There's A Chance Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Medallion Racing and Abbondanza Racing's Horologist received a strategic ride from jockey Junior Alvarado to score a third graded stakes victory in Sunday's 82nd running of the Grade 2, $150,000 Beldame for fillies and mares 3-years-old and upward going 1 1/8 miles over the main track at Belmont Park.

Alvarado took Horologist back a couple of lengths, giving Letruska clear command as the Grade 3 Shuvee winner recorded a half-mile in 45.52 seconds. The field was strung out through three-quarters in 1:09.05 with Letruska still alone on a seven-length lead as Horologist began to drop back and Dunbar Road inched her way closer to the front in third.

Just past the quarter-pole, Letruska threw in the towel as Horologist re-rallied under coaxing from Alvarado and took command with Dunbar Road launching a bid to the outside and Point of Honor doing the same along the rail. But there was no catching Horologist, who won by three lengths in a time of 1:49.01. Point of Honor finished second 2 ¼ lengths ahead of Dunbar Road. Letruska completed the order of finish. Nonna Madeline was scratched.

Horologist was making her third start for Hall of Famer Bill Mott, who won a third graded stakes at Belmont this weekend in the Beldame. On Saturday, Mott captured the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom with Frank's Rockette and the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic with Channel Maker.

Following a victory on debut for Mott in the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher on July 18 at Monmouth Park, the 4-year-old daughter of Gemologist was third, beaten 4 ½ lengths to 2018 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Monomoy Girl in the Grade 1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs. 

Alvarado said his aggressive move out of the gate was by design.

"To be honest, when she broke that sharp, that was my chance to try to take the lead and take it to them," Alvarado said. "I used her and I came down very quick, safe, but I came down aggressive to make sure I didn't have to take back if they wouldn't let me go to the lead.

"I knew she was in a nice rhythm the whole way and I waited until the five-sixteenths just to check a little and see where she was," Alvarado continued. "When I tapped her on the shoulder and she lowered her head instead of picking it up, I wasn't sure how much I had but I wanted to use what I had to open up. It just worked out today."

The weekend was prosperous for Alvarado, who picked up wins with Frank's Rockette in the Grade 3 Gallant Bloom and Gufo in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational, the former of which also was trained by Mott.

Mott said Horologist will likely not make the trip to Keeneland for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff on November 7.

"The owners made the decision not to supplement her," Mott said.

Returning $16.20 as the largest price in the four-horse field and banking $82,500 in victory, Horologist enhanced her career earnings to $695,439 and her lifetime record to 19-7-2-4.

Bred in New Jersey by Holly Crest Farm, Horologist is the first offspring out of the Stephen Got Even mare Cinderella Time.

Live racing resumes Thursday at Belmont with a 10-race card. First post is 12:50 p.m. Eastern.