Forever Unbridled Heads Cast for Beldame

The ultra-consistent Forever Unbridled heads a cast of seven fillies and mares who will do battle in the Beldame Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park Oct. 1. The nine-furlong Beldame carries a $400,000 purse.

Forever Unbridled picked up her game late last year in winning the Comely Stakes (gr. III) at Aqueduct, and continued into this season with a pair of graded wins, including in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I). She has spent the summer knocking heads with top runners Cavorting and Curalina at Saratoga, hitting the board in both the Ogden Phipps and Personal Ensign stakes (both gr. I). She is a mid-pack runner proven at the distance and the one to beat here.

Newton Anner Stud will send two into the Beldame. Off the Tracks won the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont at 1 1/16 miles in July in front-running fashion, then was shortened up to sprinting in the Test Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs and the Prioress Stakes (gr. II) at six panels, finishing third and fourth, respectively. She has the speed to lead this field from the outside gate.

Rachel's Temper also runs for Newton Anner Stud. The come-from-behinder scored in the Summer Colony Stakes at Saratoga last out at nine furlongs after spending the season running against allowance company. A fast early pace seems like her only chance to score here.

Paola Queen defeated Off the Tracks in the Test and needs to prove she is as effective at longer distances. She faded late in both the Acorn Stakes and Kentucky Oaks (both gr. I) and the 3-year-old will be facing older here, as will Off the Tracks.

Going for Broke finished a distant second to Songbird last out in the Alabama Stakes (gr. I). The lightly-raced 3-year-old won a couple of allowance tilts and did finish ahead of five others in the Alabama despite running seven lengths behind the superstar winner. She could be on the improve and rates a long look here.

Penwith took the Royal Delta Stakes (gr. II) early this season from near the lead, but her style has changed over the course of the year and she’s not showing early lick or the same late kick. She finished second as the odds-on favorite at ThistleDown last out but needs to step up her game.

Tiger Ride hasn’t won in nearly a year, since taking the Pin Oak Valley View Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland last October. She woke up a bit when second to Rachel’s Temper in the Summer Colony last out but further spark is needed to contend with these.