(# 4) MAKDERAH - Beautifully bred filly, by English list topper Danehill, out of a Mr. Prospector mare. All her races against straight fillies are excellent. Only real blemish was when she was overmatched against colts in the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket, which was her final start of 2006. Fast forward to Spring of this year at Keeneland. New trainer, McLaughlin, new country, Lasix added, six month layoff to overcome. Ran a nice second at 8.5 furlongs. Given some time to recover, this looks like a nice spot around the sweeping turns at Belmont. Nine-furlong distance is well within her range.

(# 1) For Always - Very nice effort off the shelf against stakes-quality fillies Dean's List and Rewrite. Finished second, splitting that pair. She draws the hedge for a tactical advantage at Belmont, but not sure if she can repeat the big effort off the bench.

(# 7) Cologne - Shug trained mare always tries hard. Distance is fine, race scenario may not be. Grinder may not get into a good position here into the first turn. May have to close from farther back than usual.