Belmont Stakes Picks

Belmont Stakes Day Picks
By Bob Hill
TSV Staff Writer

Belmont Stakes G1 – race 11

1) We the People (2-1) Lone speed in race was made 2-1 ML favorite. His gate to wire win in Peter Pan was on wet track. May need similar conditions to duplicate I’m not sold, especially at his very low odds

2) Skippylongstocking (20-1) Decent fifth in the Preakness. Would have to be much better to compete for a top spot. Bottom of exotics at long odds possible.

3) Nest (8-1) Pletcher-trained filly has the pedigree to win the Belmont, but she’ll have to improve to contend. Never off the board running against other fillies. Piece possible.

4) Rich Strike (7-2) Derby champ has worked well since his surprise win at odds of 81-1. Could be the next one and done Derby winner, but I like the story and will take a shot in a race that is pretty unexciting minus his interesting story. Will he be closer to the pace this time?

5) Creative Minister (6-1) Didn’t race until March so he missed the Derby trail. Fast improving colt has gotten better each start. Another step forward puts him up there with the best in this field.

6) Mo Donegal (5-2) Todd Pletcher owns the Belmont Stakes, and this accomplished son of Uncle Mo will attract a whole lot of money from the NY faithful. Some describe his Derby trip as troubled, but for a highly touted late runner he missed the chance of lifetime in that race where the early fractions were the fattest in Derby history. At what will be very short odds, I’ll look elsewhere.

7) Golden Glider (20-1) The least accomplished horse in this field would be a surprise if he hits the board, let alone win.

8) Barber Road (10-1) He picks up pieces from tiring rivals. I don’t see him any higher than the bottom of the superfecta, at best.

My Picks: 4-5-6-3-1

Acorn Stakes G1 – race 3

5) Echo Zulu (3-5) Connections start her down the road of shorter races after fourth place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. Deserves another chance.

4) Matareya (6-5) Only losses have been at eight furlongs or farther. The real deal if Echo Zulu falter.

2) Inventing (20-1) Pletcher maiden looks outclassed, but the connections must think highly of her to enter this race. Why not?

Just A Game G1 – race 4

3) Speak of the Devil (1-1) Best of three Chad Brown entries in this five-horse field. G1 placed in France Has hit board in 9 of 10 races at this distance.

4) In Italian (9-2) Another Brown 4yo gets class test in this race, but I suspect she’ll be ready.

5 Wakanaka (15-1) Mott-trained 4yo will have to step it up to hit the board. Gotta find value somewhere.

Brooklyn G2 – race 5

5) First Constitution (9-2) This race for older horses previews the Belmont Stakes distance. Pletcher trains this one who gets big class test here.

1) Lone Rock (2-1) Deserving short-odds favorite won this race last year and is a likely repeat winner.

7) Fearless (3-1) Accomplished son of Ghostzapper sent out by Pletcher to try this long distance challenge.

Woody Stephens G1 – race 6

1) Jack Christopher (1-1) May be the best 3yo in training. He’s certainly the most exciting one!

2 Pappacap (10-1) Ran huge race in Pat Day Mile. Can he duplicate it here at seven panels?

4) Morello (9-2) Flopped in the Wood Memorial, and connections turn him back to sprint distance. Gets Rosario aboard.

Ogden Phipps G1 – race 7

3) Malathaat (5-2) We’ll see the much anticipated showdown between this one and Letruska (1). Time for a new division leader?

4) Clairiere (3-1) Has run some huge races in this division which is full of superstars (all in this race).

Jaipur G1 – race 8

5) Arrest Me Red (5-2) Wesley Ward best in the world at training turf sprinters. This colt is his best.

4) Casa Creed (9-2) Two game efforts in the Middle East this winter should have him primed for this test. Honest every time.

8) Scuttlebuzz (6-1) Local boy steps up in class, but ha been very good at this distance and on this surface.

13) Gregorian Chant (8-1) Tough outside post draw for one who fires almost every race.

Metropolitan Handicap G1 – race 9

1) Flightline (3-5) Those are some gaudy numbers this guy has been hanging up in three wins where his closest rival was beaten 11-1/2 lengths. Better competition here though.

2) Speaker’s Corner (8-5) How can a horse this good not be favored? See above. Put the camera on high speed for this race.

(SCRATCH)Search Results (8-1) Will the speedsters come back to him or leave him in the dust?

Manhattan G1 – race 10

2) Gufo (3-1) Accomplished turf router will try to turn the tables on the one who beat him in the G1 Man O’ War. Always in the thick of things

9) Santin (7-2) Winner of the Turf Classic on Derby Day, this Brendan Walsh trainee stretches out to 10 furlongs for the first time. I expect him to be near the front at the wire.

7) Tribhuvan (8-1) He’s done more fading than staying in the past year, but any horse that sets the pace can be dangerous. Maybe he hangs on a little longer this time.

4) Adhamo (4-1) Disappointing effort last time in the Turf Classic. Could rebound and win the whole shooting match this time out.