Reputaton Is on the Line

Four of the seven fillies entered in today’s $250,000 Grade I Acorn at Belmont Park are coming off victories.

One of those coming in after a defeat is Storm Flag Flying. Unbeaten in four races as a 2-year-old and the champion of her division in 2002, the daughter of Storm Cat was humbled by Cyber Secret in her first race as a 3-year-old.

The 1-5 favorite against only four opponents in the Comely on April 18 at Aqueduct, Storm Flag Flying was no match for the wire-to-wire winner, losing by 5 1/2 lengths.

Owned by Odgen Mills Phipps and trained by Shug McGaughey, Storm Flag Flying will be trying to restore her reputation against a quality field in the one-mile race.

Among those opposing her will be Bird Town. Despite a stumbling start in the Kentucky Oaks, the Cape Town filly rallied to win the Grade I by 3 1/2 lengths at 18-1. Owned by the Marylou Whitney Stable and trained by Nick Zito, Bird Town will break from the outside over what figures to be an off track again.

Race of the day: Radiata, a winner of four of 12 for owners Aaron and Marie Jones, will make his first start for trainer Larry Barrera and Menacing Dennis makes his debut for leading trainer Doug O’Neill in tonight’s seventh at Hollywood Park. The $55,000 race at six furlongs also lured Fleet Foot, Do Whats Right and Way To The Top.

One for the road: Korsakoff was compromised by a bad start in the Three Chimneys on the Kentucky Derby undercard and can rebound in today’s $100,000-added Flash at Belmont Park. Gary Stevens will ride for trainer Todd Pletcher in the five-furlong race, a Grade III. Juventus, Hasslefree, Chapel Royal, Exploit Lad and Mighty Awesome complete the field.

Exotically speaking: Single Shariya in the first, use Sharon’s Beau and Society Sal in the second and Lucky Spirit, Fatal Caper and Bertrando’s Model in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/87. Money: Previous day/meet total: $14.20/$482. Total money bet: $550.