The race has attracted a competitive field of nine, including Grade 2 Nashville Derby hero Caroline St. Beat and Grade 3 Old Dominion Derby winner Lennox the Grey. Here is a closer look at the field.
Hill Prince Stakes Field
1. Print
Ricardo Santana Jr. rides Print, who comes off a victory in an optional claiming race at 1 1/16 miles on the Saratoga turf. Santana guided him to that win from off the pace.
One concern is that Print received Lasix in that race but will race without it here. His recent Today’s Racing Digest numbers are solid, including final-time ratings of 140 and 141 and Fire Numbers of 97 in his last two starts.
However, he has lost all five of his previous starts without Lasix, making the medication change a concern. He also figures to be one of the horses trying to rally from off the pace, which can make him dependent on the race shape.
2. Protect and Defend
Protect and Defend enters off a three-length maiden victory at this same 1 3/16-mile distance at Saratoga. He handled yielding turf that day after previously running well at the distance on firm ground.
Trainer Shug McGaughey has a strong record at Belmont, winning four of seven starts at the track.
The major questions are class and the loss of Lasix. He is stepping up from the maiden ranks to face stakes competition, but his improving form and proven ability at the distance make him a tad interesting.
3. Heeere’s Johnny
Heeere’s Johnny is 1-for-10 lifetime and has finished second four times. His lone victory came in the Saranac Stakes at Saratoga at 1 1/16 miles.
He subsequently finished sixth in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby and seventh in the Grade 3 Old Dominion Derby at Colonial Downs. His Digest final-time rating peaked at 137 before dropping to 126 in his most recent start.
Heeere’s Johnny needs to rebound from latest efforts to become a serious threat.
4. Lennox the Grey
Lennox the Grey is one of two graded stakes winners in this field, along with Caroline St. Beat.
Arnold Delacour trains this son of Liam’s Map, and Antonio Fresu gets aboard for the first time.
Lennox the Grey has won three of his last five starts, with a runner-up finish, and enters off a narrow victory in the Grade 3 Old Dominion Derby at Colonial Downs at 1 1/8 miles.
That race produced excellent Digest numbers. He earned a career-best 141 final-time rating, a 148 CPR, and an 88 Fire Number.
The race featured a slow early pace and a fast finish, and Lennox the Grey showed he could handle that type of race. Prior to his last outing, he won after sitting well off a fast pace, demonstrating that he can adapt to different race shapes.
The additional distance is a question, but his recent form, improving numbers, pedigree and connections make him particularly appealing.
Read more at Today's Racing Digest
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