Belmont Park Picks: Clement uncoupled tough to beat on May 1

Beautiful Belmont Park is the scene ... it's some Sunday racing for your enjoyment! NYRA's "Big Sandy," as its know, in Elmont, New York is already into another great season.

From Opening Day through the Belmont Stakes Program, and into July, it is going to be another great set of cards ... so, enjoy! Today, 10 races as the 1st weekend is here! The "feature" on the grass is the License Fee S. ... and it should be a good one!

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 4: Sahlabiya #8, 2/1):

It is time for the Flavien Prat Show to officially come to NYRA. The celebrated jockey has taken flight from SoCal, and after setting records there, now comes east. He is going to find a burgeoning colony that is highly-competitive. Looking for a sound day, before he returns to Churchill for Derby Week, I think this young filly is the one to play. Sure, the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is a “firster,” but lest we forget … this is Chad Brown and Shadwell Stable we are talking about here. The bloodlines, the numbers, and the turf are all there. Possibly, others will take money (uncoupled entry for Brown), and that will push this filly towards 3/1. Hope springs eternal on the American tote board … the late-money problem.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #8

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Tide of the Sea #8, 20/1):

In a distance contest on the turf going 1¼ this is a well-drawn field of 9. I am wanting to take on a heavy M/L favorite that last ran in the Red Smith (G3) back in the fall. I am always interested in backing Mike Maker’s runners because they are always underestimated when they run at NYRA courses. There will not be any more offspring from English Channel, that former Pletcher runner that was so successful on the grass. Bred by Juddmonte, this 6-yr-old was last seen down at Gulfstream Park in their tough distance contests … MacD S. (G2) and Pan American (G2). Even though he was far back at the end, I think that his class will shine through coming to Belmont. Owned by Three Diamonds, he actually has 5 attempts on-track, with 3, 2nd Place finishes. Is he “in-form?” This is Maker we are talking about, and he doesn’t enter unless he thinks he has a chance. With Kendrick Carmouche up, I like his chances … and the price … 20/1 is what I would consider an overlay, solely based on his class rating.   

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 6F, License Fee S., $100k, F&M 4+):

The “feature” on this Sunday afternoon is the always intriguing License Fee S. Sprinting on the grass at Belmont will regularly bring a starter or two from the barn of Christophe Clement. This time around, he has a pair of entries in the well-thought-of Too Sexy #2, and the equally as impressive Miss J McKay #3. I think either of these mares has the capability to score in a spot like this one … maybe I would give the nod to the latter, not because of Madaket’s involvement or because of Irad Ortiz … it’s just because she was up against stiff competition at Gulfstream Park in some of their “Non-G” turf sprint events like the Captiva Island S. I am going to take a chance against both these uncoupled “Clements,” and instead put on top Jonathan Thomas’ Igloo #4. I’ve watched this runner for some time now, and I like how she is going lately. Starting her career at Turfway Park, one of Thomas’ winter spots, she then switched to running primarily on the grass at Gulfstream. She might not have the classy star-power that others do, since her last races were against OC25kn1x-types. Still, that front-running score she had going 5F was impressive, and I like that kind of ability from the gate. Thomas is one of those conditioners that puts out such a solid horse on the track … you know that when you back one of his, you are going to get a best effort. What odds will we get come post time? I am hoping she drifts towards 7/1 or even higher. Manny Franco gets the call, and without further ado … here is the wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 4 w 2/3

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