Editors’ Note: We have added a handicapping section. Rather than try and pick every race on the card, we will select a feature race of the day and give you our thoughts and selections. Heather is more of an exotic player while Ted is more of a straight win/place, exacta kind of bettor so you’ll get some perspective from both angles. We hope you enjoy and, perhaps, profit a little as well!
Today’s Race: Belmont Stakes, Belmont Park Race 11
Heather’s View:
MUBTAAHIJ (1) – Import had a credible Derby. For the Derby he came to the states, prepped at Arlington and then shipped to Churchill. For the Belmont, he has had the last 5 weeks to settle into a routine in New York under internationally renowned trainer Mike de Kock. He’s been trained old school, but it’s worked for de Kock and should serve him well as should the added distance.
TALE OF VERVE (2) – This upstart surprised in the Preakness, should enjoy the added distance and if he continues to improve should get a piece.
AMERICAN PHAROAH (5) – Little to say here. If he gets the distance he’ll win the race and we’ll have a Triple Crown – and that’s what I’ll be rooting for.
FROSTED (6) – Steadily improved his position in the Derby and rested 5 weeks. He’ll be much closer than he was in the Derby and need to negotiate fewer obstacles to get to the front. Probably AP’s most dangerous threat.
Super Box: 1-2-5-6
Ted’s View:
The buzz around American Pharoah this year is decidedly different than it was for California Chrome and Big Brown. Horsemen and prognosticators alike have been singing his praises for weeks. Phrases like “best I’ve ever seen” are being thrown around from all quarters and that’s something I haven’t heard heading into a Triple Crown try.
Honestly the only way to win a decent amount of money is to throw out the favorite and I think he’s the best horse. It’s possible I may throw together a ten cent super box leaving AP out, just in case, but I don’t really see that happening either.
To shoot for some value, I’ll take a shot with a couple of exactas with AP on top.
Exacta key: 5/1,2,6
