Our Anthony Fontaine burned the midnight oil again. Here is his full card analysis.
Race One Selections: 7-1-2-10
#7 Holy Emperor gets back to the lawn and with the slight class drop should handle this group.
#1 Conglomerate part of a Chad Brown entry that both debut for a tag less than their sale price may appear a negative however with limited opportunities with the pandemic I would rate them tough today. #2 Sea City debuts off some good works at Tampa. Will be an attractive price on the board and merits some consideration.
Race Two Selections: 4-1-5-2
#4 Echo Town comes off a solid victory at Churchill and steps into the deep end of the pool today. Has speed and should be prominent throughout, a major contender.
#1 No Parole a Cajun sensation will add spice to the pace. This one may last much longer than many anticipate and if this runner gets comfortable on the front may get super brave. #5 Shoplifted will stalk the pace a few lengths back and pick up the pieces late. If the more fancied runners hook each other this is the most likely runner to pick up the mantle late at a nice number.
Race Three Selections: 7-6-1-2
#7 Mrs. Danvers comes off the layoff in a tough spot for Shug. Trainer can have them ready and is having a solid Belmont meet so far. My selection over the chalk inside of her.
#6 Indian Pride comes back off the bench as well after running credibly in a stake at Keeneland in the fall. Brown runner figures to take money as this one has run some fast races. Strictly the one to beat. #1 Palomita runs as the other Chad Brown entry (why can’t entries be coupled?). This runner has lots of speed and will ensure a lively pace. If the two favorites falter off the bench this is your most likely winner.
Race Four Selections: 6-1-3-7
# 6 Maroon Maniac has speed which is always dangerous particularly on the Belmont lawn. Horse should be able to avoid traffic trouble and workout a good trip. If able to get clear may prove tough in the lane.
#1 Decorated Invader will be a deserving favorite as runner is proven a tough grass runner. No doubt the connections have bigger goals than this race today and although I expect a solid performance this has the look of a fitness builder. #3 Proven Strategies will add to the pace and hopes to last to the wire. Horse always seems to give a solid effort and expect another today.
Race Five Selections: 7-2-8-1
#7 Rare Stripe is working well for this comeback effort for new trainer who is capable off the bench, expect a huge effort and for this one to be formidable in the lane.
#2 O’Trouble debuted inn a tough race then went to the bench. Returns off a long layoff today and works indicate this one will make his presence felt. #8 Happy Saver debuts for the ever dangerous Pletcher outfit. Will be fit and ready and should be given major consideration in this spot.
Race Six Selections: 4-2-3-5
#4 Antoinette has handled the lawn before, and this improving runner appears poised for a breakout performance. Rider JR one of the best in the business for decades should workout a good trip and see this one rolling late.
#2 Sweet Melania gets back to the races after faltering late in the Breeders Cup last fall. Runner has lots of talent and is the one to beat off the layoff. No doubt connections see this as a steppingstone to races down the road. #3 Highland Glory has the advantage of recent races over the prohibitive favorite and this runner has shown ability and talent on the lawn. Must include this runner in all multi race wagers as a serious win candidate.
Race Seven Selections: 3-8-4-10
#3 Single Verse gets much needed class relief in this return spot first time for a trainer that does well off the pine. Works are ordinary but horse is a proven commodity and expect a good performance today.
#8 My Sassy Sarah is another that will appreciate this allowance field while returning to the races. Horse did best work on the lawn so expect this one to be right there at the wire. #4 Strongerthanyouknow scored a maiden victory last out over this trip and will look to make it back to back today. Speed is ever dangerous, and rider is very adroit at getting the most out his mounts. Runner has shown ability and with the right pace scenario can grab a major slice at a nice number.
Race Eight Selections: 2-7-1-3 Acorn Gr. 1
#2 Lucrezia has been working gangbusters for this event and has more experience than the chalk to the inside. Expect this one to emerge victorious in this event.
#7 Perfect Alibi comes off a break since last fall and picks a salty spot to return. Casse barn has heated up the last few days so do not sell runner short. #1 Gamine comes in from the white-haired wonder of the west with a lofty reputation and will take lots of money in this spot. Horse is 2 for 2 but gives up experience to a few that are capable of being highly competitive. The one to beat at a short number. Beat her and your multi race wagers payoff potential increases exponentially.
Race Nine Selections: 6-2-3-5 Jaipur Gr. 1
# 6 Hidden Scroll is capable of freakish type of performances and has been working well on the lawn. The stumble last out cost him the chance to show how he would handle the surface but if pedigree and works are any indication Mott may have an Elusive Quality type grass runner in the making.
#2 Oleksandra is a model of consistency as this girl brings her A game every time. Will love a solid pace to chase and may get a nice setup in this event. She is a must include on all multi race tickets. #3 Texas Wedge another solid performer that tries hard every time. This one may be in tough today however expect another solid effort.
Race Ten Selections: 10-8-5-3 Belmont Stakes Gr. 1
#10 Pneumatic ran a great race last out at Churchill and looked good in the lane until Maxfield the undefeated kicked in and went by. Horse should be plenty fit off that performance and should give a good performance today and may be able to pulls off an upset in this one turn event.
#8 Tiz The Law may be the favorite for the roses in September however this out of sequence first leg of the unconventional triple crown went from being the longest to the shortest event, surely to be a trivia question of the future. Horse has done little wrong in his career and will look to stay sharp and expect another good race. Strictly the one to hold off late. #5 Farmington Road is the one horse I would not be surprised to see win and pay a nice price. Horse appears to be figuring out the game and has had the experience of some good races. #3 Max Player is not to be discarded and should be given major consideration in this event and in the future as this one is developing nicely. Ignore at your own peril.
Race Eleven Selections: 2-3-1-6
#2 Breaking the Rules returns off a long layoff and looks to get back on a winning path. Will have to shake off the rust but if physically ok should be formidable.
#3 Largent has yet to run a bad race in his career. This runner will be the one to beat in this event and with a clean trip may be tough to deny. Must include. #1 Talk or Listen makes the US debut for a trainer that normally gives them a race or two to get going. Has worked well for this event and may surprise at a nice number.
Race Twelve Selections 4-8-7-5
#4 Simply won his debut on the lawn in Texas and steps into the deep end of the pool in NY today. Horse did show ability in that debut event and although the race was not particularly fast, we have not seen the best this one has to offer. Any improvement should put this one in the mix at the nice price.
#8 Turbo Drive will appreciate a return to the lawn today. Should make his presence felt late. #7 Qian BC loves to settle for minor awards while being competitive. See another effort like that in this spot.
Enjoy the races, and all the best!
