While there is no go-to card today in racing, there are a couple of interesting spots for racing best bets today. The big races will be at Thistledown with the Ohio Derby, where Catching Freedom should go off as a shorter-priced favorite. The best sequence of the day will be at Gulfstream Park with a mandatory payout Pick 6 with an expected pool of over $3,000,000. The best top-to-bottom racing will be from Belmont at the Big A, including interesting turf stakes for 3-year-olds.
Wild Applause, Belmont at the Big A, Race #10
The feature at Belmont at the Big A is an interesting turf stakes for 3-year-olds who are looking to take a step forward from here to graded stakes company. After trying graded stakes on the dirt, #3 Vino Rouge started the 3-year-old campaign on turf and ran a very good third behind No Show Sammy Jo who I am looking forward to betting back. This is a logical spot for Vino Rouge to improve second off the layoff, second time on the turf and the price is right at 6-1.
#4 Macanga is going to gun it from the bell and try to take this field gate to wire. He should get the lead, but there could be some pressure early. If he gets loose, then he could be dangerous here.
#9 Oversubscribed will have to get better to beat this field after missing to Macanga last time out, but that was first off the layoff, and he had issues in two different times during the race. Prat rides for Brown here so keep an eye on the price.
The other Brown is the #8 Chantilly Road, who has some tactical speed, and could take a step forward, but this is a tough spot to take on winners for the first time. He’s capable, but I like others better.
Picks: 3-4-9-8
Racing Best Bet: $50 Win #3
Gulfstream Park, Race #9
One of the more interesting races in the Pick 6 today from Gulfstream Park is the ninth race, a 5.5-furlong sprint on the synthetic. Let’s take a shot here with #9 Beezer, who is coming off the layoff for high-percentage trainer Jose D’Angelo. He won on debut and then tried a tough race for the first time against winners. He returns to the track at a level he can beat and catches a weaker field. The price is right at 8-1 as well.
Right to his outside, #10 Banneker drops in class as well and should have a good chance to run down the leaders late with a nice outside trip.
#5 Luna Warrior crossed the finish line first last time out at this level. He will be forwardly placed right from the get go and has the chance to take this field gate to wire.
#3 Awesome Wind is the favorite and does get a jockey upgrade, but at 3-1, it is hard to back. After a low-level maiden claiming the win, he ran second at this level versus worse. He’s a logical horse; however, the price does not match the win probability.
Picks: 9-10-5-3
Racing Best Bet: $50 Win – 9
Spot Plays:
Gulfstream Park, Race #8: $50 to win #5
Belmont at the Big A, Race #9: $50 to win #8
