Wednesday Racing Picks 09/18: Joseph A. Gimma Stakes
The $150,000 Joseph A. Gimma Stakes on Wednesday kicks off this week’s Belmont Park stakes action. Slated as race 7 of the 8-race card, six New York-bred juvenile fillies will go seven furlongs on the dirt with an approximate post time of 6:08 p.m. ET.
#4, Irish Danzing, Irad Ortiz, Jr., 9-5
Ortiz gets back on board after leading Irish Danzing to a convincing and impressive 6 ¼- length debut victory going six furlongs at Saratoga on Aug. 29.Trainer Christophe Clement has loved what he has seen from his filly during this 20-day layoff and is taking a shot that she can capitalize once again despite the quick turnaround. The pick.
#6, Fierce Lady, Javier Castellano, 7-5
The morning-line favorite returns to face her last foe in her last race as she won by a neck over Time Limit in the $200,000 Seeking the Ante Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 23. In that race, a side-by-side battle took place down the stretch with Fierce Lady prevailing at the end. She also won her debut race right here at Belmont, winning by six lengths over Munnings Muse in a maiden special on June 22. Castellano, who has been on all three of her starts, returns once more. Runner-up, but not by much.
#2, Time Limit, Manuel Franco, 4-1
The Seeking the Ante stakes runner-up to Fierce Lady returns, seeking her first win where she romped in her debut by 6 ¼ lengths in a maiden special race on June 23 at Belmont. Manuel Franco takes over the mount from Irad Ortiz, who is on No. 4 Irish Danzing. In the mix.
#3, Thea’s Theme, Jose Ortiz, 6-1
Thea’s Theme won by a nose over stablemate Critical Value in a maiden special at Saratoga on Aug. 7. The daughter of Bayern brings back the services of Jose Ortiz for trainer Jeremiah Englehart. Continues to improve.
PICKS: 4-6-2-3