Belmont Park Picks & Betting Analysis for October 23: Turf Edition
NYRA's September-October Meet turns the page to the weekend ... it's Saturday ... and you know what that means? A great card filled with betting options that should put the most seasoned handicapper to the test! Today, we will be focusing on the turf, as we have a pair of major stakes races on that surface.
At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, as it is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned!
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Colton’s Command #5, 3/1):
HOF trainer Bill Mott knows a thing or 2 about racing on the grass … he has had some good ones over the years. I like this entry on Saturday, going 7F on the Widener. Well-bred by Twirling Candy, these types take to the stuff, and I don’t mean they just eat it. When it comes to a spot like this one (high-level ALLW Co. race), you want a solid trainer-jockey combo … we have it with Joel Rosario aboard. Even though this 3-yr-old colt has not won since his debut back in March at Gulfstream, he has ratcheted up the class ladder, taking on some fine competition. Look for Rosario to take him back a bit, and make a run late into the 4-5 path. This one is a best bet for me ….
Wagering Recommendation: $100, #5
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: In a Hurry #1, 8/1):
I have a soft spot still for jockey Javier Castellano. Even though his numbers are not quite as good as they were before the knee surgery, he still is a threat when it comes to routing on the lawn. His mount in this spot is one that is going up against Stakes Co. for only the 2nd time. Still, she has a solid record overall of 10/3-2-2. The filly is trained by HOF-er Shug McGaughey, and trusting in his ability is something that is quite easy to do. What I like most about this daughter of Blame is that she won impressively last time biding her time just off the frontend. If she can avoid getting stuck down on the rail, and shuffled back, she could be a super pick in what has come up as a salty race. Her price will be square at somewhere around 9/1 for this Stuart Janney homebred.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 1/8th, Hill Prince S. (G2), $400k, 3):
The Belmont Saturday “feature” is this staple on the card when late October rolls around. I am not sure there is really anyone drawn in this race that can beat Chad Brown’s Klaravich runner, Public Sector #9. The colt by Kingman (GB), a top Euro Stallion, is awfully sound, and comes into Belmont with a pair of wins under his belt in the Hall of Fame (G2) and the Saranac (G3) back at Saratoga. If he is on his game, with Irad Ortiz aboard, then he is going to be very tough. The only solace I can take in playing against him … he only has 1 win in 3 attempts at this track. There it is … the elephant in the room.
The way to possibly make a buck in a spot like this one … and it is a spot … is to take a pair of higher priced runners and put them “over” Brown’s charge in an Exacta. If either can get home, then you will have a chance to cash a ticket if you load up. My alternatives are to toss in Brad Cox’s Slicked Back #2 and Norman McKnight’s War Bomber #5. Each can be competitive, and are ridden by a couple of hot jockeys in Luis Saez and Dylan Davis. The latter’s mount is coming in from running at Woodbine (20/1 winner in $125k), and the gelding should be an excellent price at 12/1. Use ‘em …
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 2/5 w 9
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Enjoy the day at beautiful Belmont! Best of luck on another run at their Fall Meet!