Belmont Stakes Day 2019

A great day in New York where the track is fast and the Turf firm. On this Stakes Saturday we take in the big test for the champion three year-olds at magnificent Belmont Park.

Belmont Park Race 11 {Belmont Stakes~G1~1 1/2 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A wonderful field of ten will travel to the gate in the third leg of the Triple Crown. There is sufficient speed to render a fluid pace. Speed numbers for this crop are fairly close making it perhaps the most competitive of the Triple Crown races. It should be one of the best races of the day on a card with a plethora of quality races.

#9 War of Will (Gaffalione / Casse) is primed and ready to pull off another victory on this years Triple Crown trail. He holds the second highest last out speed number and has improved in each of his last three races. This son of War Front has the pedigree to meet this distance.
$1 WIN  /  $2 PLACE  / $3 SHOW.

#8 Intrepid Heart (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) is peaking at the right time and will challenge. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and two quality workouts. He has the tactical speed to adjust to the pace. This lad is 100% in the money from three career starts. A son of Tapit, he has the pedigree to grab this distance.
$1 PLACE  / $2 SHOW.

#3 Master Fencer [JPN] (leparoux / Tsunoda) has the pedigree top and bottom to stay this distance. He holds the third highest (3-way tie) last out speed number and four strong workouts in preparation for this great race. This son of Just a Way [JPN] will be work his way up through this group to a significant closing position through the stretch.
$1 SHOW.

#10 Tacitus (J. Ortiz / Mott) may go off as the crowd favorite as the son's of Tapit have had a major influence in this race over the past few years. He shares the third highest last out speed number and has put in a tremendous three work out tab in preparation, This lad could pull off the victory from his tracking position.

#5 Bourbon War (M. Smith / Hennig) is another son of Tapit ready to enlarge his daddy's reputation as a sire of long distance runners. This lad looks able to crack the code in this race with a good workout and three good last out speed figs. He should join the crew of closers as they hit the stretch.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#9 War of Will  /  #8 Intrepid Heart,  #3 Master Fencer [JPN],  #10 Tacitus,  #5 Bourbon War.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 War of Will  /  #8 Intrepid Heart  /  #3 Master Fencer [JPN],  #10 Tacitus,  #5 Bourbon War  /  ALL.




Furlong Friday Results
Belmont Park R8.  True North--G2.  Our selection, Gold for the King, finished 6th.
Superfecta went 3-5-6-4.
Bankroll plummets to $0.30. We will supplement with a Jackson for today's Belmont Stakes play.

Furlong Friday in New York

We open our horse racing weekend with Furlong Friday looking in on a spectacular dirt sprint at "Big Sandy".

Belmont Park Race 8 {True North~G2~6 1/2 Furlongs~4 year-old Up~graded Stakes}

A top-notch group of nine will go to the gate in this annual event. There is plenty of speed to push the pace forward. Speed numbers are very close giving the race a terrifically competitive feel. Only one millionaire, #7 Whitmore, is in this field of high earners. It should be a fantastic race.

#9 Gold for the King (M. Franco / C. Baker) might put forth a big effort coming off a layoff. He holds the third highest speed number at the distance and has put in four powerful peaking workouts in preparation. A son of Posse, he will take quick advantage of a frothy pace.
$1 WIN  /  $2 SHOW.

#7 Whitmore (Santana / Moquett) could be the post time favorite with the second highest last out speed number and two robust workouts. He holds the highest in the money from twenty-seven career starts. A multi-millionaire son of Pleasantly Perfect, he should track the pace comfortably and strike in the stretch.

#3 Catalina Cruiser (Rosario / Sadler) will challenge coming off an extended layoff. He holds the highest overall speed number and has put in four endurance peaking workouts. This guy should be part of the pace scenario on the front end. A son of Union Rags, He has four wins from five career starts.

#2 Stan the Man (D. Davis / Terranova) appears to be in top form and should forwardly placed looking for first run on the leaders. He holds the highest (tie) last out speed number and has put in three dynamite workouts. A son of Broken Vow, he relishes this distance.

10 CENT Superfecta ($0.30)

#9 Gold for the King  /  #7 Whitmore  /  #3 Catalina Cruiser  /  #2 Stan the Man,  #8 Do Share,  #10 Mr. Dougie Fresh.




Last Superfecta Sunday (6/2) Results
Santa Anita Park R7.  Optional Claiming.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort capturing three of the four wagering interests required to cash. Superfecta went 7-10-3-8.
Our Bronze Horseshoe runner, Persephone, finished 3rd for show money of $2.80.
Bankroll dips to $3.50.

Belmont Stakes Day 2015

The "Test of a Champion" takes place today in this year's 147th running of the Belmont Stakes.

Belmont Park Race 11 {Belmont Stakes~G1~1 1/2 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A field of eight will make the start in the third leg of the Triple Crown. American Pharoah seeks to make history as the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. He should be the speed of the race with a couple of others close in tow. The rest will be either tracking or closing valiantly. Only three have charted triple digit Beyer speed figs, the rest are still improving. It should be a smashing race. Post time is expected to be 6:50 pm Eastern time.

#5 American Pharoah (Espinoza / Baffert) may get the job done and place his name in the history books for eternity. He holds the highest last out speed number with his win in the Preakness and has put in two rugged workouts. He is up against it though with six wins in a row against mighty competition. This son of Pioneer of the Nile has notched three of those victories over a dirt surface from three efforts. He will need to control the pace up front and have enough in the tank to fend off those coming from off the pace. This lad has the best shot of any in recent member to capture the crown.
$1 WIN.

#3 Madefromlucky (Castellano / Pletcher) has the best potential to be the upsetter with the third highest (tie) last out speed number, an amazing seven race progression, and two serious peaking workouts. This son of Preakness winner, Lookin at Lucky, should be tracking the pace ready to enter the fray. he is the only horse in the field with a victory over the Belmont track. A powerful jockey-trainer combination could bring this guy home with flourish.
$1 PLACE  /  $2 SHOW.

#1 Mubtaahij [IRE] (I. Ortiz / de Kock) is the other in the race with strong upset possibility. There is a reason world class trainer, Michael de Kock chose Belmont's leading rider, Irad Ortiz. It gives this lad the best chance to win. Despite taking a disappointing eight place in the Kentucky Derby, this guy has trained magnificently over the Belmont track with six superb workouts. This "Cheery" son of Dubawi [IRE] will be tracking the pace ready to explode into the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Frosted (Rosario / McLaughlin) has the tactical speed to stay close with the leaders and make a move in the sweeping Belmont turn. He holds the second highest last out speed number and has put in three solid peaking workouts. This son of Tapit is the only other horse in the field that has race at Belmont with in the money success. He holds a 75% overall in the money record from eight starts.

#8 Materiality (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) should contend gallantly sharing the third highest last out speed number and putting in three strong peaking workouts. This son of Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner, Afleet Alex, has a decent shot at the upset. He holds the highest speed number over the dirt. This guy should be motoring on the front end with the Pharoah.

#7 Keen Ice (Desormeaux / Romans) has the best capability of getting the distance. With the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and four exceptional peaking workouts he will be a major player in the race. This son of Preakness winner, Curlin, will be firing late and swoop swiftly into a hot pace.

10 CENT SUPERFECTA
We will deploy the Lambrakis method for our 10 CENT Superfecta play. H/T to Southern California handicapper Paul Lambrakis whose monograph, The 10 CENT Superfecta Betting Guide, should be in every serious handicappers courier bag. Our cost will be $2.40.

#5 American Pharoah, #3 Madefromlucky  /  #5, #3, #1 Mubtaahij [IRE]  /  #5, #3, #1, #6 Frosted  /  #5, #3, #1, #6, #8 Materiality, #7 Keen Ice.



Furlong Friday Results
Belmont Park R8.  True North--G2.  Our first pick, Dads Caps, finished 3rd for show money of $2.80.  Our second pick, Eastwood, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 8-2-5-6.
Bankroll gets shaved to $18.93.

Furlong Friday at Belmont

Tomorrow is Belmont Stakes day where a tremendous undercard has been put forward. Today we enjoy our Furlong Friday as part of another great undercard at magnificent undercard.

Belmont Park Race 8 {True North Stakes~G2~6 furlongs~4 year-old Up~Graded Stakes}

A wonderful field of eight will go to the gate. This will be a speed laden event which has the possibility of reaching or getting close to a track record. These lads are supremely close in terms of speed figs having all earned the elusive triple digit at distance or on surface. This should be one of the most exciting races on today's Belmont card.

#5 Dads Caps (J. Ortiz / Rodriguez) might have the edge with the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and four superb workouts including three bullets. This lad should be forwardly placed asserting position for the ride home. he holds the highest speed number at the distance.
$1 WIN  /  $2 SHOW.

#6 Eastwood (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will challenge with the highest last out speed number at a longer route, a three race progression, and three strong peaking workouts. This lad is 80% in the money at the distance and 87% in the money overall. He should be tracking the pace ready to strike.
$1 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Rock Fall (Castellano / Pletcher) should be in the hunt with the third highest (4-way tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and three hearty workouts. He is two for two over the Belmont track. He comes into this race with four wins in a row.

#2 Stallwalkin Dude (A. Cruz / Jacobson) should contend sharing the third highest last out speed number and one peaking workout. He is another with four wins in a row. This lad also holds the third highest speed number at the distance with an impressive 83% in the money record at same.

10 CENT Superfecta

#5 Dads Caps  /  #6 Eastwood  /  #8 Rock Fall  /  #2 Stallwalkin Dude.



Thursday's Results
Belmont Park R7.  Intercontinental Stakes.  Our first pick, Mabre Rose [IRE], finished 2nd for show money of $2.50. Our second pick, Shrinking Violet, was scratched.
Superfecta went 10-11-9-14.
Bankroll gets five dimes shaved from it, settling at $20.23.
  

Triple Crown on the Line

It is Belmont Stakes Day on this Stakes Saturday.  The Triple Crown is on the line as California Chrome will run the final leg.

It's 0540, Arlington Park Time.  Horsemen and horsewomen are making their rounds checking in on their charges...And wondering if Chrome will be the next Triple Crown champion??  It has been thirty-six years since it was last captured by Affirmed.

You can't help but cheer for this horse and his connections.  Working men and women chasing a dream against the odds.  It is a uniquely American story and a genuinely classic California tale.

On the race analysis.

Belmont Park Race 11 {BELMONT STAKES~G1~1 1/2 mile~3 year olds~Stakes}
A top quality field of eleven will go to the gate in the last of the Triple Crown races.  There are a handful of horse that will be forwardly placed which should produce a controlled pace.  All eyes will be on California Chrome and his trademark spurt.  It should be one of the most exciting races in recent memory.

#2 California Chrome (Espinoza / Sherman) is the horse to beat.  This glorious son of Lucky Pulpit has already banked over $3.4 million. He holds the highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one solid workout.  He should be forwardly placed for the victory, though there will be not much value as he should be the overwhelming favorite.
$1 WIN.

#11 Tonalist (Rosario / Clement) should challenge as he should also be forwardly placed.  This son of Tapit holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a four race progression, and two stellar workouts.  This lad also holds the highest speed number over the Belmont oval.
$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Wicked Strong (Maragh / Jerkens) should contend having been in the money in two starts at Belmont Park.  He placed fourth in the Kentucky Derby in his last race earning him fourth.  An o.k. speed figure was derived from that race. This son of Hard Spun has put in three sensational peaking workouts since.  He should be coming on, well, er, Wicked Strong in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Ride on Curlin (J. Velazquez / Gowan) should also be coming on strong as he did in his second place finish in the Preakness.  This son of Curlin shares the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two endurance producing workouts.  He should be running late.

#8 Commissioner (Castellano / Pletcher) should have no trouble with the distance as his daddy, A.P Indy, was the 1992 Belmont Stakes winner.  He holds the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two quality peaking workouts.  He is another that will be running speedily through the stretch.

#4 Commanding Curve (Bridgmohan / Stewart) should be in the mix easily handling the marathon distance.  He holds the fourth highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three superb peaking workouts.  This son of Master Command will be making a late run toward the wire.

10 CENT Superfecta ($2.40)
We will deploy what we call a Lambrakis method 10 CENT Superfecta as follows:

#2 California Chrome, #11 Tonalist  /  #2, #11, #9 Wicked Strong  /  #2, #11, #9, #5 Ride On Curlin  /  #2, #11, #9, #5, #8 Commissioner, #4 Commanding Curve.



Friday's Results
Belmont Park R9.  True North--G2.  Our first pick, Palace, won (1st) for show money of $4.80.  Our second pick, Integrity, finished 7th (last).
Superfecta went 7-8-6-1.
Bankroll picks up a few dimes to settle at $22.94.

On to Belmont !!

We go into this Friday with another top level race to observe at the might Belmont Park.

Belmont Park Race 9 {True North~G2~6 Furlongs~4 year old~Stakes}
A terrific match-up of nine quality horses.  This could be a speedfest of the highest order.  It might benefit the horse who lays off the pedal a bit and accelerates through the stretch.  All but two have hit the triple-digit speed number mark in their career.  The other two have come very close.  It will be an extremely exciting race.

#7 Palace (J. Ortiz / L. Rice) could benefit greatly from a hot pace with his pressing/tracking running style.  He is coming into this race with off a brief rest period.  This lad has the third highest speed number at the distance and has put in three strong workouts.  He'll have the leaders in his sight going into the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#4 Integrity (J. Velazquez / C. Brown) should challenge from a forwardly placed position with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and four sharp, peaking workouts.  This lad enjoys the Belmont track.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#2 Marriedtothemusic (C. Velasquez / L. Rice) will be part of the speed contingent motoring on the front end.  He holds the fourth highest (tie) last out speed number and two robust peaking workouts.  This guy also holds the fourth highest (tie) speed number at the distance.

#6 Salutos Amigos (I. Ortiz / Jacobson) should be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number at a slightly longer sprint, a two race progression, and five speedy, peaking workouts.  He also holds the second highest speed number over the Belmont oval.

10 CENT Superfecta

#7 Palace  /  #4 Integrity  /  #2 Marriedtothemusic  /  #6 Salutos Amigos.



Thursday's Results
Santa Anita R4.  Optional Claiming.  Our first pick, Unusual Hottie, finished 5th (last).  Our second pick, Habibi [NZ], was scratched.
We scuttled our 10 CENT Superfecta due to the scratch.  Superfecta went 1-2-3-4.
Bankroll dips to $22.24.