Belmont Park Picks: Trying to beat Forest Caraway on May 27

Beautiful Belmont Park in Elmont, New York is heading towards the end of the Triple Crown Trail in early June. Now that the Preakness Stakes is safely tucked away, it is time to point in less than 3 weeks 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 handicapping puzzles are on tap, 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 4: Chloe Rose #5, 4/1):

I can see it as clear as the day is long … Gustavo Rodriguez will be visiting the winner’s circle with this filly by Twirling Candy. It is about time for her to assert her sprinting authority on the dirt because she has had ample opportunities. At the end of April, just after Belmont opened, she was 2nd at this level with Jose Lezcano aboard. I think some traffic troubles hampered her progress, and that allowed To a T to get home. If she can steer clear of such obstacles on this sandy highway, then she has a great shot. I am sure others will impact her price by putting her on top … 4/1 sounds like a dream.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Full Court Press #4, 9/2):

I know that 9/2 on the M/L does not necessarily speak to an “off-the-pace” play … but hang on … Based on who else is drawn-in (Pletcher's Glory Road #5 and Rodriguez's Its All Relevant #6), I think the odds for this Horacio De Paz entry will expand for the better. Bred by Winchell, the colt by Dialed In ships from Laurel after competing in ALLW Co. Manny Franco rode him at Aqueduct back in late March, and even though he was 3rd, it was still a solid performance. I think his class will shine through, dropping down to this level. Cutting back from routing, to 7 furlongs, cannot hurt either. My line is 5/1 or higher … if he is in that range, then it is time to load up.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 6F, OC62.5kn2x, F&M 3+):

If you are looking for a speed duel on this Friday, then maybe heading to Belmont, Race 8 is an idea. This high-end OC for older females brings together a lucky 7. Out of these, I am sure bettors will be swayed to back the Phoenix Thoroughbreds-owned filly by Bodemeister … now trained by Todd Pletcher. Forest Caraway #5 does look formidable, especially considering she took on tough 3-yr-old company last year. That included the likes of Princess Noor, Kalypso, Private Mission, and Livingmybestlife … among others. Coming back to the track after a lengthy layoff, she makes the switch from Peter Miller’s now-defunct outfit, and moves over to the HOF conditioner. How will she run? Well, that’s a bit of an unknown … I have another entry to back that looks much more inviting when it comes to her price. Fernando Abreu is just getting started during this Belmont Meet, and I think Royal Meghan #6 has what it takes to succeed. She is a 5-yr-old mare by Uncaptured, and is part-owned by Abreu. Her classy form speaks for itself, and even though she only has 3 wins in 22 starts, that is utterly meaningless. She is more consistent at hitting-the-board, and once again will get the services of one of America’s hottest jocks, Jose Ortiz. She is fit, and ready to do battle, if she can be forwardly placed … One other runner that I am interested in using, is the former member of Ray Handal’s barn, Rossa Veloce #7. She was claimed by the Morey Barn at the end of the AQU Meet. The Girolamo filly has her own attributes, and it will be interesting to she how she competes with Kendrick Carmouche in the irons. Since she jumped from state breds into the bowels of open company, I would not be surprised if she excels as she goes. One to include … Here is the bet for Belmont!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 6/7/5

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