Juicing Carrots To Carry Family Honours In Belmont Classic
20 July, 2016
Thoroughbred
Trainer Alana Williams will be out to maintain a family connection when Juicing Carrots tackles the Belmont Classic (2200m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Juicing Carrots pressed his claims as an emerging stayer after he brilliantly took out last Wednesday week’s Dayana Plate (2100m) by five lengths.
Williams, a former top jockey, can emulate her husband, Grant Williams, who prepared, Elusive Image, to win the 2012 edition of the Belmont Classic.
Juicing Carrots’ bid for a winning hat trick was given a boost after the Black Tom gelding drew barrier six in the field of 11. William Pike retains the mount.
Pike, who rode Elusive Image and Lords Ransom (2007), can join Jason Whiting and Paul Harvey as three-time winners of the Belmont Classic.
Whiting steered home Dexian (2002), Empire Dancer (2005) and Miss Tipsy Topsy (2011). His hopes for a record fourth success lies with, Rosmartini.
The Simon Miller-trained filly, on the back up from her narrow front-running Belmont Oaks (2100m) victory on July 13, will jump from gate nine.
Fred Kersley, chasing his third success, will pin his faith in Culverin. The Musket filly and jockey, Ben Paterson, will combine from barrier seven, the exact starting positions of Dark Musket and Proceedwithcaution, the past two victors of the Belmont Classic.
Kersley can edge clear of Adam Durrant and Lou Luciani in the Belmont Classic trainer’s honour roll after Boardwalk Lady won in 1997 and Priceless Matt in 2003.
Paterson rode Summah’s Touch in 2013, giving Durrant his second victory in the race after Lords Ransom proved too strong for his rivals six years earlier.
Durrant has solid claims again with Press The Petal. The Danehill Express filly has drawn the inside barrier for leading apprentice, Clint Johnston-Porter.