We’ve got another big weekend of racing that includes the Ohio Derby and a massive Pick 6 payout at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Let’s kick the weekend off with some Belmont at the Big A best bets!
Belmont at the Big A, Race #6
45k Optional Claimer
The 6th race on the card is an interesting 1 mile turf race for horses bred in New York. The favorite, #7 Danzigwiththestars, is deserving. He is coming in from open company races, so this is a slight drop-in class, and he won the last time he faced state breds. That said, the 1 Mile distance is slightly shorter than he normally runs. With his closing style, he may simply run out of room.
#6 Let’s Go Big Blue is switching back to trainer George Weaver and has more tactical speed, which should help him out in a fairly paceless race. He was favored at this level the last two times he ran here for this barn and was second off the layoff. If he finds his form from last year, 6-1 will look like a steal.
#9 Born Dancer did not draw wonderfully here but has the speed to make up for it. He should send from the outside and if he can get comfortable, he is capable of taking this field gate to wire on the front.
#8 Cable Ready drops down from a Grade 2 race to take on weaker competition but was a much bigger price in his last two, 19-1 and 21-1, compared to the 8-1 price today. He can win, but he is less likely than a couple of horses who are similarly priced.
Picks: 6-7-9-8
Belmont at the Big A Best Bets: $50 Win #6
Belmont at the Big A, Race #9
Maiden Claiming $40k
Let’s head back to the turf for the Friday finale and look a horse who is properly priced and dropping in class, #7 El Alacran. He was claimed two back by the Morley outfit and tried straight Maidens last time out off the layoff. Now, he adds John Velazquez and drops back into the claiming ranks. He also has the chance to get out in front of this field and control the race from the bell. If he gets back to the winter Fairgrounds races, he will be tough at 9/2.
The favorite, #11 Nostalgic One, drew poorly here, but his running style should make the post slightly easier. He will drop to the back and make one run. He’s probably the best horse in here, but there is not a ton of pace to chase, which should make life difficult today. He can win, but the 7/5 price is too short for me.
#12 Oxford Union is a wild card in here. He was flat off the bench in his last start and now drops into the claiming level. The addition of Prat makes this one intriguing, and he was okay on debut. He should improve; the question is how much and whether it is enough.
If you are looking for a price in the exotics, #1 Theregoesmymiracle fits the bill. He’s 0 for 31 career, so it’s tough to project a win, but he will be forwardly placed and has hit the board at this level before. The 10-1 price makes him interesting in the trifecta.
Picks: 7-11-12-1
Belmont at the Big A Bets: $50 Win #7
Spot Plays:
Belmont at the Big A, Race #1 – $50 Exacta 2-4
Belmont at the Big A, Race #4 – $50 Win #5
