Belmont Park Picks: The beast awakens on April 28

Are you ready for Belmont Park racing? It's here ... NYRA's treasured "beast" in Elmont, New York is ready to begin its season, and we have your free picks each, and every day! 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 kick things off! Let's go ...

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Daddy Knows #2, 5/2):

The former member of Ray Handal’s outfit came over to Jeff Englehart’s barn in February, and the gelding by Scat Daddy ran well 1st time out … winning against state bred types at this very level. His next couple of races were duds, and it will be good to see him stretching out at Belmont. Trevor McCarthy gets the call again, and he had a nice run over at Aqueduct. I think if he can get his mount out of the gate cleanly, then he has a shot either to be on, or close to the lead. That should give him a great opportunity to win the day. This one has 8 starts at Belmont over the course of his career … no wins … but he does have 4 “Places” and 1 “Show!”

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Competitive Saint #5, 12/1):

The folks at Valor Farm made a shrewd decision when they purchased Competitive Edge for their stallion program. He is a proven producer, and continues to churn out some impressive offspring. Here is a gelding by the sire that ran nicely at Aqueduct against some tough company. The 5-yr-old gelding did not win any of the 4 races he entered, but there were some bright moments. I think coming to Belmont is just what he needs, and trainer George Weaver has him in-form. As I mentioned, jockey Trevor McCarthy just turned in a solid season at “The Big A,” and he should be able to take advantage of the pace scenario … I think it will be fast … giving his mount something to run into … The Edge … for the win at 12/1!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 7F, Starter Handicap20k, 3+):

It is nice to see the return of Belmont’s season, but also a “Starter Handicap” on this Opening Day card. You will find several drawn-in here that raced on “Claiming Stakes Day” @AQU on 26 March. Mike Maker’s Doubly Blessed #6 was solid going 1 Mile that afternoon, winning with Manny Franco aboard. The son of Empire Maker should be ready to fire again, and it makes sense to use this one in any horizontal wager. I am not sure 2/1 is the kind of price I want to accept, so instead, I am going to the outside, putting my faith in the Ferraro Barn’s Easy to Bless #9. There is much to like about this filly, besides the fact that she is taking on the boys. Her AQU record was solid, even though she was 5th in her last spin around the track. In her defense, that was against G3 Co., so she gets a pass. Dropping into this spot seems spot-on, and of course, who doesn’t like the fact that Jackie Davis is back-in-town to rider for this solid conditioner. Let’s use this one on top at odds of 8/1, and also roll under Tom Morley’s Dark Money #5, and Gustavo Rodriguez’s Ryan’s Cat #3. That should complete the line … check out this bet …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 9 w 3/5/6 w 3/5/6

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