Belmont Park Picks: Hush of a Storm the turf play on May 20

Beautiful Belmont Park in Elmont, New York is barreling towards the end of the Triple Crown Trail in early June. What a massive week of racing Belmont Week is going to be! Before we get there, they have their customary racing, which is nothing short of fabulous.

From Opening Day through the Belmont Stakes Program, and into July, it is going to be another great set of cards ... so, enjoy! Today, 9 races are on tap, so it is time to tuck in!

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 2: Dealing Justice #3, 7/2):

Trainer Ray Handal has yet to win his 1st race of the BEL Meet … it is not going to take much longer. Handal has a strong stable, and he is prepped and ready for the summer. Here is a filly by Commissioner that is pretty classy at the OC-level. Interestingly enough, this 4-yr-old has yet to try the Belmont sand. Part-owned by Zilla Racing Stables, she should be able to take on this group. Going 7F, I don’t think that this distance should be an issue whatsoever. The best news is that regular man Dylan Davis is aboard once again. His star just keeps rising, and the sky is the limit for this local NY rider. I like the price of 7/2, and if Davis can make the lead, then he has a definite chance to get to the wire first.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Amedeus Music #5, 15/1):

If you are in the market for a “good deal,” then you might take a gander at Jim Ryerson’s ridgling by Dialed In. His barn isn’t one that garners much attention, but that doesn’t mean he cannot spring an upset. I like this one because of several attributes. Dropping in from running in ALLW state bred company, he should enjoy the claiming ranks. With only 1 turf attempt under his saddle, I wouldn’t think that would disqualify him from contention. On the contrary, it makes him quite attractive on the tote. With turf expert Jose Lezcano aboard, I think 15/1 will be a great price for this entry. We know this router is fit, and with the right trip … well … that’s what it always comes down to, doesn’t it?

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 1/16th, OC45kn2x, 3+ NY Breds):

Taking to the Inner Turf Course at Belmont, some tight turns, and jockeying for position, will rule the day. Early speed … could help, but it is also about rating, and saving enough for that final push. Looking over this well-drawn field, I am impressed with the recent attempt by Bill Morey’s own Hush of a Storm #4. The gelding by Creative Cause had not tried the turf since last year, and he did not do too poorly in that OC45kn2x. He was up against it that afternoon at Aqueduct … it was a fairly slow set of fractions that he had to run against, and Dylan Davis tried to get him up in the end. It was a 4th place ending … I think he will be my “key,” but I also like the running style of Tim Hills’ Ruse #7, who gets Trevor McCarthy (Davis’ brother-in-law). This 4-yr-old gelding is coming back to NYRA courses for the summer, after a short stint down at Gulfstream Park. His turf summer last year was pretty solid. Of course, most of the money in this race is going to Chad Brown’s Klaravich runner, Graded On a Curve #8. By Noble Mission (GB), a strong turf producer, we can expect this one to get over bet. It’s Brown, so that makes sense … Maybe this 6-yr-old will not be as sharp, since he is coming off-the-shelf, making his 1st start of the year. Let’s also use one more … Carlos Martin’s Jade’s Dream #6 does not have any recent grass experience, but last year, the Drosselmeyer gelding ran-on the Belmont green impressively. He is going to be a price on the tote, and that bodes well for us. Here is the ticket, and this looks like it has the potential to cash!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 4 w 6/7/8 w 6/7/8

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