Frizette Stakes 2021 Entries: Asmussen's Echo Zulu sounds off

Belmont Park, Race 9: 1 Mile (Dirt), The Frizette Stakes (G1), Purse $400k, 2F (Sunday)

With a purse reduction from a year ago due to COVID-19 now history, this race is both a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” and a “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” points race. That dual feature makes for an interesting backdrop, especially considering the implications. Historically, this contest has produced some impressive winners, even if they have not necessarily gone on to bigger and better things. Still, those that have visited the winner’s circle included promising sorts like Steve Asmussen’s Nickname and Wicked Whisper, Christophe Clement’s Yellow Agate, Chad Brown’s Separation of Powers, John Servis’ Jaywalk, and last year’s surprise winner from Tim Hamm’s midst, Dayoutoftheoffice. This time around we are set for another Belmont thriller at Big Sandy, so you do not want to miss all of the drama that will play out on Sunday!

Now, let’s find out about this field…

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#1 Frosty Brew (Jky: J. Castellano/Trn: S. McGaughey):

Who doesn’t love one that comes from Frosted? That sire produces some versatile runners, and this filly for HOF trainer Shug McGaughey has much promise. She broke her maiden on debut at Laurel Park. She wrangled the lead away at the top of the lane, and never looked back. Doing that on dirt is no easy task, but compared to others drawn in here, she is going to have to raise her game significantly in order to keep up. Might need another race under her …

Grade: C+

#2 A Mo Reay (Jky: J. Lezcano/Trn: T. Pletcher):

One of a pair of Pletcher runners, this half of the uncoupled entry went for $400k at last year’s Keeneland September Sale … a good bit of money, to say the least. Out of Uncle Mo, this filly is owned by the powerful duo of MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm. In her only race so far, ended up 3rd behind Gerrymander #8 in a MSW100k event back at Saratoga in late August. Coming to Belmont might prove inspirational, as Pletcher sends her out with Jose Lezcano. Losing Luis Saez is an issue, but the real question is … can she exhibit more of that energy that was on display last out? Maybe … maybe not …

Grade: C+

#3 Saucy Lady T (Jky: D. Davis/Trn: J. Chapman):

No runner entered in this race has the class experience that this filly out of Tonalist does … The Chapman Barn got aggressive and entered her in the Schuylerville (G3), Adirondack (G1), and Spinaway (G3) … all @The SPA … all resulted in 3rd place finishes … and all at odds of 18/1 and higher. So, do you interpret that as valued experience, or a group of failures that she is doomed to repeat once again? I am tending to think it is towards the latter, when it comes to predictable outcomes … but you never know … The addition of Dylan Davis is interesting because he can surprise with a quality ride. Maybe tote watching is the order of the day?

Grade: B-

#4 Hot Fudge (Jky: J. Ortiz/Trn: L. Rice):

Trainer Linda Rice switched this daughter of Liam’s Map from the turf to the dirt last time, and she did not disappoint, winning by over 2-lengths in a MSW90k @BEL on 18 September. Moving up in class, as many will be doing here, seems possible, but it will not be an easy pivot, even with Jose Ortiz riding. The filly’s works look promising, as she rounds into form. Much to like from a runner who cost $235k at the OBS Sale back in Spring 2021.

Grade: B

#5 Jumeirah (Jky: J. Alvarado/Trn: C. David):

The David Barn is heading to NYRA-land in hopes that their Monmouth-based filly can impress in this tough spot. She might be a “wise one,” but she is going to have to make the jump to hyperspace without incident. These Twirling Candy types have that ability in spades, and I have made it no secret that I like betting them very much. This filly may not be fast enough in the end, but Junior Alvarado is gutsy, unsung, and can pull the occasional rabbit out of the hat. He will need to, come Sunday …

Grade: C+

#6 Echo Zulu (Jky: R. Santana/Trn: S. Asmussen):

Locked and loaded, this Steve Asmussen-trainee wowed the crowds and the betting cadre when she won her 2nd race in-a-row at Saratoga in the Spinaway (G1). Sprinting out of the gate, going 7F over moist ground, the filly out of Gun Runner was in command the whole way. Ricardo Santana rested comfortably, and probably could have sent out some Tweets along the way. Winning by 4-lengths, his mount proved that she is a “deserving favorite” in this spot for L&N and Winchell. If she runs like she is capable of, then this race is going to be over rather quickly. A budding talent, and could be the BC Juvenile Filly “fave” too when all is said and done on Sunday.

Grade: A

#7 Jester Calls Nojoy (Jky: L. Saez/Trn: T. Pletcher):

The Elkstone Group homebred not only honors the 1985 movie Top Gun with this name, but the connections have a nicely bred runner out of Maclean’s Music. The other half of the Pletcher uncoupled entry won convincingly last time in early September just before Saratoga closed out their season. That was an eye-popping score, when Luis Saez guided his mount to a wire victory … 10-lengths! Now she is going to hopefully not miss the break, not get into a speed duel, and command the fractions throughout. It takes an experienced rider aboard to accomplish all that, but if there is anyone up to the task, it is Saez.

Grade: A-

#8 Gerrymander (Jky: J. Rosario/Trn: C. Brown):

Considering it was just census time, and redistricting by parties-in-power is in full-swing … it is ironic that we have a horse named after this occurrence. If you do not know who Elbridge Gerry was, then you might look him up. At any rate, what you need to know here is that Klaravich and Brown are together again, and are looking to build on a breakout victory last time in one of those MSW100k events at Saratoga. Joel Rosario was aboard then, and he retains the mount for this important step-up in class. Out of super-popular sire Into Mischief, Seth and the gang are thinking the time is right for a major score, despite the fact her 1st trip to Belmont on debut was a bit of a miss. She has the ability … now, it is time to go and get it.

Grade: B+

#9 Magic Circle (Jky: M. Franco/Trn: R. Rodriguez):

Here is yet another filly who comes out of a MSW100k race back at Saratoga. “Rudy Rod’s” 2-yr-old won by 4+ lengths that day, as Manny Franco tactically struck from 2-back just before the top of the lane. At odds of 25/1, she surprised a number of bettors who did not believe she had the moxie to take on 8 others. The daughter of Kantharos, just like others who come in here with limited experience, is going to have to do much better. If she wants to keep up, then she is going to need a couple more gears at the end.

Grade: B-

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Join us Sunday for all of our selections! Should be a great set of races from beautiful Belmont Park!