Disco Partner ready for repeat bid

ELMONT, N.Y. – As solid a field as Saturday’s $150,000 Forbidden Apple appears to be on paper, the ultra-consistent Disco Partner gives his typically reserved trainer Christophe Clement plenty of confidence going into the one-mile turf race at Belmont Park.

“I’m not sure I’ve got to worry about them as much as they have to worry about us,” Clement said.

Disco Partner is very much the horse to beat in the Forbidden Apple, which drew a field of seven. The 6-year-old New Yorkbred millionaire won the Forbidden Apple last year, one of eight victories from 12 starts he has over the Belmont Park turf.

As was the case last year, Disco Partner enters the Forbidden Apple off a victory in the Grade 2 Jaipur on Belmont Stakes Day. Unlike last year, when Clement used this race as a stepping-stone to the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga, Disco Partner could be wheeled back in three weeks in the Grade 3, $200,000 Troy, a 5 1/2-furlong turf stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 5.

His victory in the Forbidden Apple last year was Disco Partner’s lone win in two tries at a mile. That it’s a one-turn mile makes it more comforting to Clement, as does the bullet halfmile work over the turf here Sunday.

“He’s training very, very well,” Clement said.

Fellow New York-breds Voodoo Song and Offering Plan are among the main threats to Disco Partner. Trainer Jason Servis will attempt to stretch Pocket Change out in distance for the first time.

Projected, Mr Havercamp, and Blind Ambition add to the competitiveness of the race.

The Forbidden Apple is the last leg of a pick four that begins with race 8 from Delaware Park, the Grade 3 Kent Stakes, and includes race 8 from Belmont, a turf sprint allowance, and the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap.

KEY CONTENDERS

Disco Partner, by Disco Rico Last 3 Beyers: 105-86-100

◗ Of his seven triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, five have come at Belmont.

◗ Was in hand while breezing a half-mile in 48.05 seconds over the Belmont turf last Sunday.

Voodoo Song, by English Channel Last 3 Beyers: 100-98-92

◗ Best known for his four wins at Saratoga last summer, his two races at Belmont this meet have been his two fastest races Beyer Speed Figure-wise.

“I’ve been very pleased with his efforts at Belmont,” trainer Linda Rice said. “He didn’t rate kindly enough last year and I was concerned about a one-turn mile, but he’s just matured.”

Pocket Change, by Unbridled’s Song Last 3 Beyers: 101-96-94

◗ Lightly raced, improving colt tries a mile for the first time after running fifth, just 1 1/4 lengths behind Disco Partner, in Grade 2 Jaipur at six furlongs.

“I don’t think the distance will be an issue; I think the company will be an issue,” said Servis, who entered Thursday’s card 18 for 38 at Belmont.

Offering Plan, by Spring At Last Last 3 Beyers: 96-98-93

◗ He is 2 for 2 this year, most recently beating New Yorkbreds in the Kingston at a mile at Belmont.

◗ He is 4-2-2 from nine starts at Belmont on turf.