10 races today and some are pretty chalky and others may get you some good prices. You’ll have to watch the boards and the pools. The PK3/4 may be the best if you can break the chalk on one or two. Good Luck!
It’s Belmont weekend!
Race 1, 5F, 2YO
Picks: 4, 10, 9, 1
A tough way to start the card with these young horses, I’m going to rely on jockey/trainer combos and pedigree to take a shot. Not much else to go on but it will give you a look at how the track bias will shape up for later in the card.
Race 2, 1 1/16M, 3YO+
Picks: 9, 5, 11, 13
Eleven It Is (9), should be the favorite here, for the class drop and stretching out. Voodoo Valley (5) offers a value in exotics and I think is poised for a good effort. Village Prince (11) has been improving and the increased distance here should continue that trend. Both of these horses have had decent efforts in similar conditions and have jockeys that can pull off the ride. The (13) Elevated Forever, with McCarthy onboard could prove a factor.
Race 3, 1M, 3YO+
Picks: 3, 6, 4, 5
Regal Quality (3) for the Rice/Vargas combo has to draw attention and not be left out. In Him With Him (6) I suspect will be bet down by post and looks to be a co-favorite. Roman Warrior (4) had an excellent try last out and returns from CT for todays effort. Ten Dollar Hammer (1) gets back to a distance that seems agreeable and with a good effort could also be in the mix.
Race 4, 5F, 2YO
Picks: 4, 5, 2, 6
Another 2YO race (I love to watch and rarely wager,) again I’m going to rely on jockey/trainer combos and pedigree to take a shot – I’m not a big fan of PPs or workouts for first time starters or those with less than five starts.
Race 5, 6F, 3YO+
Picks: 8, 7, 4, 1
This is a solid race. Freedom Bella (8) looks poised to upset a few favorites – although could well be a favorite by post. Jumping Michelle (7) for Gonzalez/Cintron could easily step up and win this race based on the last effort at DEL. Mae Sai Princess (4) has all the right connections, gets class relief and a much more suited distance. Barbsgray Lion (1) with a valiant effort could be in the mix, I just think may be slightly outclassed for the win.
Race 6, 5 1/2F, 3YO+
Picks: 3, 1a, 2, 8
Souper Echo (3) is coming off a loss but should best this field on class alone – Trombetta/Pimemtel combo only adds to that. Misericordia (1a) gets a little distance and a drop in class – should be neck and neck for the win. Dare To Be (2) appears to be a third or fourth place finisher along with Minit to Stardom. Both horses exit races with good outings (Minit to Stardom was a winner) but I think are going to be beaten today.
Race 7, 5 1/2F, 3YO+
Picks: 7, 2, 4, 3
Zip Van Winkle (7) gets a needed cut in distance and a drop in class. The Ness/McCarthy combo should see this horse win and likely be claimed. Quit Your Moanin (2) should be right at home in here and could even rally for the lead. Great Nation (4) and Wilko’s Goldeneye (3) round out my top four here, both suit the class and the distance but will likely be behind by two lengths as they hit the stretch.
Race 8, 1 1/16M, 3YO+
Picks: 2, 10, 12, 7
I’m going to take Wise Men (2) for value over the ML favorite Tachyon (10) should we get a closing kick and the favorite is coming back from a layoff. Planned (12) get Lasix for the first time and stretches out to a more suitable distance. Rock Rabbit (7) ran strong last out but just faced better competition – may well be a factor here.
Race 9, 1M, 3YO+
Picks: 1, 6, 9, 3
This is the most contested race on the card. I’m going with Pepper Sprout (1) and a last out win at MSW to take the field. Shoobiedoobydoo (6) comes from GP and a three month layoff should improve and contend. Alexa Rose (9) gets first time Lasix and stretches out – should improve on two good last outs. Ode To Joy (3) is also stretching out off a winning last out – should prove to be in the mix for the board.
Race 10, 5 1/2 F, 3YO+
Picks: 3, 1, 2, 7
Go Magician Go (3) comes off a long layoff but the connections are solid and should put in a solid effort for the lead. Emelina (1) also had a six month layoff and should play a significant role in setting the pace – with an excellent trip could best this field. Market Money (2) has had solid outings the last two but for the price, I’m taking the horses off the layoffs to beat him. Sudden Hope (7) rounds out the board with decent last efforts against better company – will need to improve to win.