Friday's Beldame Runs Through Randomized

Friday's GII Beldame Stakes at Aqueduct drew a compact field of five led by the wide-drawn Randomized (Nyquist) who looks to get back on track after a less-than stellar finish, winding up sixth and well beaten behind Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) as the early speed in the GI Personal Ensign at the Spa Aug. 23. Dangerous on the front if left alone however, the Klaravich Stables-owned 5-year-old will try and repeat the effort that saw her wire the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes two back July 19 where she finished three lengths ahead of Majestic Oops (Majestic Harbor) who lines up just to her inside Friday.

The 5-year-old Dan Ward runner cut back to seven furlongs in style last out when third at long odds in the GI Ballerina Stakes Aug. 23.

“The Molly Pitcher was a tough test, a half-million dollar race against some Grade I-winning horses, and she ran really well,” Ward said. “We were going to wait out the time until the Beldame, but the Ballerina was right in the middle and she got a good race that served its purpose. It was seven-eighths, between races, with five weeks until the Beldame.”

By all accounts, Majestic Oops seems to be thriving in the Autumn weather of New York.

“She wasn't bothered by hot weather, but I think now that it is cooler outside, she's doing better,” Ward added. “She comes off the track bouncing, jumping, all of that. I think cooler weather will help her form, her numbers have been going up and we got a good sprint prep right in the middle now.”

Mark Hennig and owner Lewis Lee bring in Gun Song (Gun Runner), a 4-year-old who is still looking for her first win of 2025 having run second in the Obeah Stakes at Delaware and fourth most recently in the GII Shuvee Stakes at Saratoga July 18.

“She's doing super,” Hennig said. “After that race at Saratoga, we figured we would regroup and point to a race in September. We are giving her a shot. Let's see if she can earn her way somewhere. At a mile and an eighth, you know she can lay fairly close.”

The field's sole 3-year-old Margie's Intention (Honor A.P.) exits Grade I company having run third to Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GI Alabama going 1 1/4 miles Aug. 16 for Brad Cox. Her last win came on Preakness weekend in the GII Black Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico May 16.