Belmont Park Picks: Conquer the World a price play on June 30

NYRA's signature Racing Festival is complete, and Todd Pletcher's 1-2 score in Belmont Stakes is now a memory. 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 left to do in Elmont ... so, tune in!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Olympic Dreams #10, 3/1):

Trainer Christophe Clement continues to have a strong Belmont Meet, and he has a pair of uncoupled runners that are entered in this NY bred spot. I like his 1st time starter, a colt by Medaglia d’Oro. This homebred debuts for a barn that spends a pretty penny when it comes to workout riders. Clement expects results, and let’s face it, he wins quite a clip in situations like these. With expert rider Joel Rosario in the irons, he could notch another win in Elmont. This runner speaks "turf."

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #10

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Jazz Time Girl #9, 6/1):

The Thursday finale is one of those difficult turf sprints with a large field. If you can nab a winner in this spot, then your handicapping skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful … If you like the trainer-jockey combo angle, then look no further than Mike Maker when he gets together with Dylan Davis. This pair are magic, and I will be interested to see how it works out this time around. Davis will be aboard a filly by Temple City. She was moderately priced last time at Keeneland in one of their SMW100k events. That is a tough crowd, and I am not surprised that she ended up finishing poorly. Do not write this 3-yr-old off though … She can take to the turf, and I think sprinting is what she was meant to do. If she is even close to 5/1, I am betting her with both hands.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 3/8, ALLW92kn1x, 3+):

The “spotlight” shines on this turf event. We have a nice field drawn, and a good bit of cash will certainly be flowing towards Graham Motion’s Easter #7. This gelding by Exosphere (AUS) is built to go longer on the grass. The last time he showed his mug at Belmont, it was against expert runners like Yibir (GB) and Gufo. Interestingly enough, the other half of Motion’s uncoupled entry, Highland Chief, won the day. Talk about an upset … Flavien Prat was aboard for Madaket Stables that afternoon, and will be again. I want no part of his short price, even though he can make mincemeat out of this field. I much prefer a runner like Todd Pletcher’s Conquer the World #10. By Curlin, the 4-yr-old might not look like he has an inviting record, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from giving him a try. Not only does the HOF trainer pair with Luis Saez, but he clearly wanted no part of that yielding course last time out at Belmont. Don’t forget that he was 4th, just behind Motion’s fave in an ALLW Co. race at Aqueduct in mid-April. I think he will enjoy getting back to this distance, and his price will be superb. Most of the money is going to also fill the coffers of Peter Brant’s Balthus #1. Chad Brown turfers are perennially overbet, so spurning this one … tread at your own risk. I am not convinced this gelding by the great Galileo (IRE) is ready for this class jump. Manny Franco is an average lawn jockey, so let’s include his mount … just not on top. My wager that I have constructed is …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 10 w 1/7 w 1/7

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