Belmont Park Picks & Betting Analysis for October 8

Belmont Park and their September-October Meet have their condition book ready for action! This Friday's 9-race card is sure to be a challenging one for even the most-seasoned handicappers.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the stakes action! 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 Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Analyze It #2, 7/5):

When trainer Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz get together they form a potent combination at NYRA and beyond that must be respected. They are teaming to try and get this venerable runner home on the lawn. This one out of Point of Entry has been around the block … now, as a 6-yr-old he is in for an expensive tag. Back in the old days, he ran against some formidable opponents that ranged from Catholic Boy to Carrick. I remember backing him in the 2018 BC Mile (G1) at Churchill. I think he still has some run left in him, so it would be great to see him win one under Brown.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Kemba #4, 6/1):

Trainer Ray Handal is not only the conditioner for this runner, but he is also part-owner. This continues to be a trend in racing, and there are pros and cons to all of it. Much to like about this entry because when I see Hard Spun, I am in. As a sire, he produces some extremely versatile Thoroughbreds, especially on the turf. The better news here is that jockey Luis Saez is in command. What a year this rider is having, and there is no doubt he is just getting started. Although the NYRA champ rode him last time to a 7th place finish, he encountered some traffic troubles late in the race. All this could be a different story this time around, plus the shorter distance might be an advantage.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 Mile, ALLW80k, 3+):

A high-level ALLW Co. contest is on the docket, late in the card. Favoritism on the M/L goes to Todd Pletcher’s Great Workout #4, who looks the part for Repole. The colt by Outwork seems poised for a victory in this 1-turn mile affair. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, he should be fairly difficult to grapple with in here after running in the ALLW Co. 90k level back at Saratoga. Moving from the turf to dirt last time was a good move by Pletcher because he improved, despite experiencing a poor break at the outset. If he can remedy that issue, then he could be a winner.

Others could be enticing to back though … like Horacio DePaz’s Our Man Mike #6 or Kelly Breen’s It’s Gravy #7. The former tried the “non-G” waters in the Albany $250k back at Saratoga, and was 17-lengths off the lead in the end. Dropping back to this level seems to make a ton of sense, and so does the cutback in distance. As for the Breen entry, this son of Freud contested a number of NY Stallion Series races this year, and I like the fact that he not only entered those contests, but acquitted himself well. The price on this one (10/1), plus the addition of Jose Lezcano makes the play even more inviting.

That should round out a fine exotic wager … giving us a shot a nice score!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 4/6/7

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy the day at beautiful Belmont! Best of luck on another run at their Fall Meet!