Belmont Park Picks: Manila Stakes should produce fireworks on July 4
Belmont Park Picks - Monday, July 4, 2022
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Race 1: 2-5-4-6
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Race 2: 2-1-5-3
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Race 3: 5-3-6-2
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Race 4: 4-5-3-1
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Race 5: 5-2-1-7
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Race 6: 1-4-3-5
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Race 7: 6-3-8-4
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Race 8: 5-6-3-1
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Race 9: 3-1-2-5
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Race 10: 3-10-8-2
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**Most Likely: Maxwell Esquire #6 (Race 7)**
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**Best Value: Foolish Ghost #2 (Race 2)**
July Fourth ... the holiday weekend has almost concluded. 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 won't linger. That runs through mid-July, which will give way to celebrated Saratoga. There is much to be done in Elmont ... so, tune 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 Monday 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 7: Maxwell Esquire #6, 5/2):
Trainer Linda Rice fate continues in limbo, but she still is sending runners out to the track. This horse by Discreet Cat ran for Christophe Clement, and competed ably. He made the switch to Rice, and tried him on the turf at Belmont, a place he has called home. The result was a miss against the likes of Voodoo Zip. Now, he drops down a bit to this level, and I expect the result to be in-line with his last attempt with Clement. Ridden by Irad Ortiz, he should have a great chance to make it to the winner’s circle.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Foolish Ghost #2, 4/1):
If you are looking for a sound play at a nice price, then do not miss Ray Handal’s gelding by Mineshaft. In against state breds for a tag, he is coming off-the-bench after a superb ’21 campaign. He was strong at Saratoga last season, and Handal has him ready. Pairing with Dylan Davis, a rider of exceptional talent, we should expect this one to make a splash on this holiday. The price could be even better come post time … let’s hope that bettors shy away … 5/1? Yes, please …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Turf, 1 Mile, Manila S., $100k, 3):
The “highlight” on Monday’s card at Belmont is the annual renewal of the Manila S., which should be an interesting puzzle to try and solve. HOF trainer Todd Pletcher has a pair entered on the turf, ala Chad Brown. Both Chanceux #1 and Annapolis #2 look strong in the class category. The former should be pretty fit after ending up 3rd in both the Woodhaven S. and the Paradise Creek S. The job of piloting falls to Flavien Prat, and that makes me think that his mount will not end up at 8/1. As for the “other” Pletcher runner, he is no slouch for Bass Racing, after scoring in the Pilgrim S. (G2) at Belmont last October. Even though his debut in the Penn Mile S. (G2) was a short-priced miss in early June, there is nothing to suspect that he cannot rally in this spot. I am willing to take a stand against both uncoupled entries, and instead, go after a juicier price with Brad Cox’s Ready to Purform #3. I could be wrong, but I think this one will be overlooked on the tote. Cox gets little in the way of respect at NYRA tracks, and with Joel Rosario in the irons, the colt by Kitten’s Joy has a super chance. In the JW Murphy S. $100k at Pimlico, he just missed at the wire. The folks at Donegal Racing have a good one on their hands. Here is the wager that I am going to muster …
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 3 w 1/2 w 1/2
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Enjoy the day at beautiful Belmont! Best of luck on another run at their Spring/Summer Meet!