Belmont Park Picks: Love And Thunder (IRE) brings the hammer on July 3

Sunday rolls in over this holiday weekend ... 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!

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 Sunday 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: Higher Truth #6, 1/1):

Trainer Chad Brown has a star in this race that will be a short price … that is a foregone conclusion. The real question is, what odds can you get on this “deserving favorite?” I would bet this one, but not below 4/5. With Flavien Prat aboard, the filly by Galileo (IRE) has a great chance at Belmont … Her record is impressive, as she is never out-of-the-money in 5 attempts. Brown’s record is clicking at an incredible rate, and it is hard to see him getting beat on the turf. He likes to remind people that he is not just a grass conditioner.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Hombre #6, 5/1):

Cherie DeVaux took over the training of this son of Tourist from Barclay Tagg. He went straight to the turf at Churchill Downs in a OC62.5kn2x. It was a strong win, after he rated nicely throughout the race. There is no question that facing winners like this will not be easy. However, I like this one’s running style, and he does have a win over the Belmont green. The addition of Luis Saez is welcome, as his aggressive riding can lead any team to the winner’s circle at any time.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, Perfect Sting S., $100k, F&M 4+):

The Widener Turf Course is where the stakes at NYRA will be on Sunday. This course is a tough configuration, so you want a jockey with experience who knows how to navigate its seas. For my money, I want to find a way to beat Chad Brown’s Love And Thunder #5 (IRE). It will not be an easy chore … Flavien Prat rode this mare by Siyouni (FR) last time at Belmont on “Good” turf. She won rather easily, and that will convince many bettors to back her once again. I doubt that she will be 9/5 when this race goes off. Finding an entry that can rival her will not be easy, but I particularly want to try Christophe Clement’s Messidor #6 (IRE). This daughter of Vadamos (FR) is no slouch, and she won her own OC62.5kn2x at Belmont on 10 June. If she is that sharp again, then she has a major chance to upend Brown’s favorite. Clement has a strong stable, and his numbers bear out. Javier Castellano might not have the same strength that he once did, but I think the magic is still there. He makes it look easy, and when a jockey does that, it is poetry-in-motion. This will be another tough turf “Non-G,” but it is sure fun to wager and watch!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 6/5

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