Belmont Park Picks: A Longlongtimeago sings long shot tune on May 12

Beautiful Belmont Park is as pretty as a picture ... racing returns for another week! NYRA's "Big Sandy" in Elmont, New York is rolling along, headed towards the end of the Triple Crown Trail in early June.

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 2: Winning Drive #5, 7/2):

Looking for a nice winner, I think Rob Atras’ gelding by Flatter fits the bill. Sadly, this one’s sire passed away just a few days ago, and we mourn the loss of such a great champion. This offspring of his should be able to handle the class and the distance. Kendrick Carmouche gets the call, and I still think this 6-yr-old has gas left in the tank. He has late speed, and if he can get into the proper position by the top of the lane … with some stiff fractions to run into … then the day should be his. If he is 7/2 come post time, then it is time for a big bet.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Cucina #4, 5/1):

When Mike Maker and Kendrick Carmouche get together, they can form quite a jockey-trainer combo … that happens in this OC62.5kn2x. The Kentucky-based trainer does not always get the respect that he deserves at NYRA courses, so when I see a shipper like this gelding by Northern Afleet, I want to get on board. He has the class rating to do battle with a group like this one, and his work tab looks solid for a barn that can get hot … and stay hot. I think his price might drift up from 5/1, and that would suit me just fine.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 7F, ALLW80kn1x, 3+ NY Breds):

The “feature” on this Thursday card pits New York breds against one another. A quick thumb-through the numbers of one Mr. Chad Brown … he is just so tough to beat when it comes to 2nd off-the-bench, and 2nd Time Lasix. It doesn’t take a handicapping scientist to tell you that his colt by Into Mischief is going to take money, especially when you consider that Key Point’s #2 last race at Aqueduct was a near-miss … by a nose for owner Jeff Drown. Manny Franco gets the call on what should be an even-money-priced winner … and that is precisely why I want to take a shot against him. I am much more intrigued by the past form of Steve Asmussen’s A Longlongtimeago #1, Chris Englehart’s Colormepazzi #5, and John Terranova’s Montebello #7. Each of these entries could be close-to or are sure-to-be double-digit prices. They are not without merit, and I like them for different reasons. The Asmussen gelding by Maclean’s Music says sprinter, through-and-through. If Joel Rosario can get him close-to or on-the-lead, then that could go a long way to a victory. Englehart’s horse by Mission Impazible is rooted in open Starter ALLW Co., so this is a drop for him running against state breds. He also has early speed, which could be a valuable weapon. Last but not least, I would not count out Terranova’s new acquisition because the former Baffert-trainee ran nicely as a 2-yr-old. He gets 1st time Lasix, and the services of new NYRA transplant jockey, Flavien Prat. Let’s put together a ticket that will take advantage of these "price" horses, and see if we can get one of them home against the presumptive favorite of Brown’s!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta, 1/5/7 w 2

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