Belmont Park Picks: Chad Brown juggernaut continues on June 23

With the Racing Festival complete, and Todd Pletcher's 1-2 score in Belmont Stakes now in the record books, it is time to turn our attention to the rest of the Meet. That runs through mid-July, which will in-turn, give way to celebrated Saratoga. There is much left to do in Elmont ... so, here we go!

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 3: Oh Mrs. Maisel #7, 3/1):

Getting back to the dirt is precisely what this well-bred filly by Practical Joke wants to do. Last time out at Belmont, trainer Horacio De Paz tried the turf going 1 1/16th … it did not go well. Now, she comes back on the class drop, and it should be a welcome sight. Regular rider Kendrick Carmouche gets the call, and if she on either side of 3/1 … that equals value.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

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

In this claiming event, we are out for some value, and I am hoping it resides in this 7-yr-old gelding by Shanghai Bobby. Dylan Davis is having his breakout year, and it is great to see. I like this runner not only because of the rider, but more importantly, for the class relief he will receive. It is not a major drop, but I think it will be just what the doctor ordered. The Kantarmaci Barn is hot right now, and here’s to hoping that the M/L floats upward towards 6/1 or even 7 … one can hope …

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 7F, OC62.5kn2x, F&M 3+):

The MT at “Big Sandy” will host this high-level OC event. These races continue to be pretty “form-full,” with favorites winning at a 67% clip. Right now, it is hard to argue with the power of Chad Brown, and his “numbers.” He currently has 109 starts during the Elmont Meet, and is scoring at a 32% clip. His “strike rate” includes 35-W, 24-P, and 13-S … not too shabby. Goodnight Olive #6 looks strong coming back to the track, but the filly by Ghostzapper was last seen back in November. Irad Ortiz piloted her to a whopping 9-length victory in that ALLW Co. contest, and will hop aboard once again. If she is sharp, then this sprint-route could be over. Looking for value is key in a spot like this one, and I want to take advantage of the “lay-off” argument. Therefore, my top selection is Linda Rice’s Betsy Blue #2. This daughter of Tonalist shifted from Aqueduct to Belmont, and ran-on nicely against similar company last time out. Owned by Cloud Nine Stables, she has a chance to take a step forward with Jose Lezcano in the irons. Rice continues to face challenges, as her outfit remains in limbo. As for one other runner that looks to have legs, I am keen to include Tallie Lynch’s Halo City #3. A seasoned mare by Commissioner, I would not write this one off. Her trainer and her class can shine through against a group like this one. In other words, she is in-form. If the pace is pretty stiff, then she could be heard from late in the race. Here is what I am going to do when it comes to constructing a bet.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 2/3/6

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Enjoy another fab day trackside at Big Sandy! Best of luck on another run at Belmont Park!