Belmont Park Picks: Brown's Kuramata (IRE) beatable on July 1

Todd Pletcher's 1-2 score in Belmont Stakes is now history, but it will not be forgotten, especially by Repole Stable. It is time to turn our attention to the rest of the Meet, which does not have long. That runs through mid-July, which will in-turn, give way to celebrated Saratoga. There is much to be done in Elmont ... so, tune in!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 9: Standup #11, 6/1):

I have a gem of a pick, and feel confident in this gelding by Into Mischief. The Ferraro Barn is dropping this one down from running in some tough ALLW Co. Clearly, those 2 races were just too difficult. This level seems much more appropriate, and once again, Trevor McCarthy is at the controls. His job is to find a gap, late in the game. If he can, this one’s late foot could be the deciding factor. Against a large field like this one, we are sure to get a superb price!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #11

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Reggae Music Man #6, 6/1):

There is much to like in this Pat Reynolds New York bred. He is an ALLW Co. vet, but he did not do much running last time at Belmont. He broke moderately well, and even displayed speed before the top of the lane. However, when it counted, the strength needed just wasn’t there. I like that his trainer is rolling him back, and his 2 workouts over these past few weeks look strong. It is never easy for a state bred to take on a condition like this one. The riding ascendancy of Jose Gomez continues, and he has what it takes to get this one home. What a price his mount could be … 8/1?

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1¼, OC62.5kn2x, 3+):

The “feature” on this Friday is a turf event going what many would consider a deep route. In Europe and Asia, 1¼ is quite common … good to see it at Belmont. Out of these entries, the one to catch on the tote before the bell will probably be Chad Brown’s Kuramata #4. Owned by Peter Brant, this horse by Australia (GB) is bred for situations on the green like this one. He is lightly-raced (6 career starts), and it is clear that his conditioner wants him primed for Saratoga or maybe Monmouth. With the ability to be a major stakes horse, he is going to be tough to beat in this spot. Jose Ortiz rode him at Aqueduct in April, but the result was not all that impressive. The team needs a major sign this afternoon to prove that he is ready for more. I am against this runner, and instead, I want to back Mike Maker’s layoff entry, a gelding by Quality Road. Bluegrass Parkway #6 is a deeper turf router that I have watched for some time now. A former trainee of Jonathan Thomas before his new conditioner took over, he has the chops. Looking over his form, you will find some nice performances against some challenging company … Abaan … Sppoky Channel … Shamrocket … come to mind. Dylan Davis is going to get a shot to ride him, and I like that choice. Even though his mount has not been seen since December, Maker should have him ready to fire. One other runner that you might want to consider is Eclipse Thoroughbreds’ Aviano #9. I am not sure this Todd Pletcher-trained son of Medaglia d’Oro has the class rating to match-up with some of these, but he will try. Flavien Prat is an expert on the grass, and he is finding his feet in his new digs at NTRA. This high-priced colt ($775k @FT August Sale, 2019) will be tested for sure. Here is my wager that I will be playing … good race.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 6/4/9

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Enjoy the day at beautiful Belmont! Best of luck on another run at their Spring/Summer Meet!