Belmont Park Picks: Napoleonic War does battle for Brown on May 5

Beautiful Belmont Park is the view ... racing returns for another week! NYRA's "Big Sandy" in Elmont, New York is rolling along.

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 as a new weekend arrives! 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 Thursday 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 9: Napoleonic War #3, 3/1):

A well-bred son of War Front for trainer Chad Brown, this colt is coming off a 4th Place ending down at Keeneland in the Transylvania Stakes (G3). I like horses that come out of a contest like that, and the Peter Brant-owned router is looking to score a victory with Manny Franco aboard. The turf at Belmont is going to have some “give” to it, but I think if it stays “on,” this one is worth backing … Maybe the lowest odds I would take would be 8/5 …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Power Agenda #9, 6/1):

Here is a colt by Nyquist that is making his ’22 debut, and last season his conditioner, HOF Todd Pletcher, tried the Repole and St. Elias colt in the NYRA Series Hopeful S. (G1). He had a rough trip, and then went to the bench. Coming back to the track at Belmont, on the turf against this group, might be a great angle to play. You do not get the chance too often to catch one like this … time to get on the train as Kendrick Carmouche rides … bloodlines and class can win out! And … with rain in the forecast, this race might be off-the-turf! If it is, then this one is a bet for sure.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #9 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/16th, OC45kn2x, F&M 3+, NY Breds):

The NY breds will be hitting “Big Sandy,” but because of the configuration, the 1 1/16th will only be contested around 1-turn. Surveying the field, I see that the Baker Barn has the one to catch. Witch Hunter #4 is a strong mare by Khozan, and she will be tough, if she is on her game. Last out, Dylan Davis, who just had his best Aqueduct Meet ever, won aboard her by 9-lengths in a “Non-G” at “The Big A.” Can anyone match her power when the chips are down late in the race? The only antidote to late speed is a runner that can control the fractions, and slow things down. Therefore, I am backing Gustavo Rodriguez’s OK Honey #5. She is talented, and if Jose Lezcano can get her loose up front, then she has a shot. Since coming to this barn, her work looks solid, and I like the fact that she ran 2nd last out in her own “Non-G.” Her class will need to shine though because this will not be an easy time of it early. There is a fair amount of speed signed on … Here is the wager … plain and simple can be best sometimes.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 5 w 4

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