Belmont Park Picks: Luis Saez rides Varatti in R7 on June 3

Belmont Park in Elmont, New York is ramping up its races! They are heading towards the end of the Triple Crown Trail next week. Now that the Preakness Stakes is over, it is time to point to the Belmont Stakes ... NYRA's big day! What a card that is going to be ...

From Opening Day through the Belmont Stakes Program, and into July, it is going to be another great set of races ... so, enjoy! Today, 9 races are drawn ... so be ready!

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the 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. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Alpine Queen #2, 7/2):

I always regard Ten Strike Racing as a good sign when it comes to owner involvement, and now is the time to back this runner from Michelle Giangiulio’s midst. Last out at Belmont, the filly by Reload was pretty game, and she looked like she had the “win” secured. At the wire she was caught napping, and I do not think that new rider Kendrick Carmouche will let that happen. He was aboard this one on a different occasion at a higher class level. This spot is where she needs to be … should get to the winner’s circle, in my opinion.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Mississippi #4, 15/1):

A former runner from the barn of the excellent Ron Moquett, this 7-yr-old gelding now comes into the care of Kantarmaci Barn. They claimed this one from one of the toughest places in the world when it comes to “the shake” … Oaklawn Park. It will not be easy to go up in class against a group like this one, but I think with the addition of Trevor McCarthy, this one could have a legitimate chance. His speed figs have increased over the course of his past few races, and looking at his new conditioner’s numbers … they look pretty smart. The best news is that his price is going to be astronomical, since he will not be trusted for his 1st “go” at Belmont. This is still a Moquett-trained horse … don’t forget that.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, OC80kn1x, 3):

With rain on Thursday, it is a good bet that most of the turf events will be moved to the MT. Handicap accordingly … As for a “feature,” we still have this race for 3-yr-olds that offers an interesting puzzle when it comes to this 1-turn mile. Getting to the lead might be a good idea, but you might want to double-check the conditions before betting. When it comes to a top selection in this spot, I am pretty interested in finding a way to beat Chad Brown’s Klaravich-owned, Highly Respected #5. By Dialed In, this runner has a pair of races under his belt, but those were back at Aqueduct during the late winter and early spring. We will see just how sharp his pencil is coming off a break … as Manny Franco takes the mount. My play is Todd Pletcher’s Varatti #9, a son of Into Mischief that ran at Keeneland in mid-April. He missed against a 73/1 shot that afternoon, and my guess is that you could run that race 10x … not seeing that again. The accomplished Luis Saez is going to have the chance once again to right the ship, and I like his chances. It would be a dream to see this colt be 4/1 on the tote, but I doubt seriously that it will happen. The WinStar and Siena Farm prodigy has a strong kick, and Saez can hustle with the best of them. Here is the wager … nice race!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 9 w 5 w 1/2/3/4/6/7/8

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