A return to familiar surroundings could be just what Brickyard Belle needs when she takes on 11 rival 2-year-old fillies in Saturday's $175,000 Stewart Manor Stakes at Belmont Park.
The 6-furlong turf sprint, scheduled as the ninth race with a 3:43 p.m. ET post time, has drawn an intriguing mix of graded stakes performers, promising newcomers and European imports.
But Mother Nature could have a say in the outcome. With unsettled weather in the New York area, the New York Racing Association can transfer the race from the inner turf course to its Tapeta surface.
Brickyard Belle, the 2-1 morning-line favorite, returns just two weeks after a disappointing 11th-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) at Keeneland.
Trained by Miguel Clement, the filly had previously won the Matron Stakes (G3) over the Belmont course and distance, making her the most accomplished runner in the field. Clement believes the Keeneland turf caused her uncharacteristically poor Breeders' Cup performance.
Whether she can rebound may depend as much on the racing surface as on her ability.
A principal challenger is Fanshell Beach (4-1), a Wesley Ward trainee who narrowly missed a placing in the Indian Summer Stakes (G3) at Keeneland, finishing fifth but beaten only a length.
The filly had previously won two of her first three starts, including the Riverside Rush Stakes over yielding turf at Ellis Park. Although she generally races close to the pace, she demonstrated a different dimension in the Indian Summer when she rallied from off the pace.
Antonio Fresu takes over the riding assignment.
Another intriguing contender is Pink Venom (8-1), an Irish-bred daughter of Soldier's Call who arrives with three consecutive victories for trainer Johnny Murtagh.
Recently purchased privately by Team Valor International, Pink Venom has shown an ability to handle soft and yielding ground in Ireland. She has also been training over Belmont's Tapeta surface since arriving in New York, potentially giving her an advantage if the race is transferred.
Jamie Spencer makes the trip from Europe to ride the filly, who is expected to remain in the United States with trainer Amelia Green following Saturday's race.
French import Yuquot (6-1) also brings international credentials to the field. Group 2-placed in France for Ed Monfort, she makes her first start for Joe Sharp, with Flavien Prat aboard. Her recent Belmont workouts suggest she is ready for her American debut.
Brad Cox sends out Zomoroda (6-1), one of several promising maiden winners stepping into stakes company. Other recent debut winners include Battle Queen (30-1) and Queen Celine (30-1).
Bittersweet Memory (10-1), trained by Kelsey Danner, shortens up considerably after finishing fourth in the Miss Grillo Stakes (G2) at 1 1/16 miles. Kendrick Carmouche has the mount.
Mark Casse's Winchester Road (10-1) comes off a six-furlong turf maiden victory at Woodbine, while Scabiosa (20-1), trained by Hugo Padilla, has won both her turf starts and could contribute to a lively early pace.
The Stewart Manor presents an interesting handicapping puzzle, particularly if the course is changed. Brickyard Belle's proven Belmont form makes her the logical favorite on suitable turf, but Fanshell Beach's versatility and Pink Venom's experience on softer European ground make them formidable alternatives.
Jenny Kellner is an award-winning journalist and teacher who has covered thoroughbred racing for years. As a reporter for both United Press International and The Associated Press, her work has appeared in publications and on websites around the world. Jenny has also written for The New York Times, the New York Post, Newsday and Sports Illustrated.
