breeders cup Justify (1), with jockey Mike Smith up, crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes horse race and the Triple Crown, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
We have been waiting… and it is here, the Saratoga Summer meet… but boy is it HOT!! Opening day is Friday, July 3rd, and the meet runs through Labor Day, with the signature race being The Travers. However, there are great races every weekend, starting with this weekend. And as one of the best used to say, “… and away we go.”
The Late P5 Races 7 through 11:
Race 7 4:06 EST The Belmont Oaks Gr1 1 ⅛ Mile Turf 600K
The sequence starts off with a real bang… a full field of 10 ready to go. European entries have won 4 of the last editions of this race, and we are landing on #8 Abashiri (5-2) with jockey William Buick riding for trainer Charles Appleby. This gal has been improving each race and could be sitting on a big run here. The #6 Fitz Right (6-1) looks to be the best to rep America with jockey Flavien Prat in the saddle, looking to win 3 in a row. If you’re looking for a flyer, look no further than #1 Just Aloof (8-1), with jockey Manny Franco taking over for Prat. Look for Franco to hit the gas when the gates open and take her as far as he can.
Race 8 4:42 EST The Subourbon Life Gr2 1 ¼ Dirt 500K
Just look no further than #7 Antiquarian (3-1) for the winner. This runner has the right running style, as well as #1 Prime Power per Brisnet. Ran behind some monsters last out (Nysos, Knightsbridge, Journalism), and now is much better 3rd off the layoff for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Race 9 5:20 EST The Belmont Derby Gr1 1 ⅛ Turf 750K
This is where Euro entries have not fared so well (just 2 for 12 here), and that lands us on #3 Remember Mamba (7-2). Jockey Jose Ortiz retains the mount, and the highest last race speed rating, #1 Prime Power and workouts in preparing for this race, all point to the winner. We will also look at #8 West End Kid (3-1), who is entered here by our favorite trainer William Walden. This runner will have to step up in class, but jockey Tyler Gaffalione can do the job, looking for 4 wins in a row.
This is where we are going to spread in the sequence. We like #2 Tarantino (8-1) best (also like his movies) to take them all the way under jockey Tyler Gaffalione. This runner has the highest Timeform Early Pace of 123, as well as Brisnet Lone E7. The favorite #3 Full Screen (7-2) is another likely win candidate if a speed duel breaks out. Look for jockey Jose Ortiz to track any speed and try to run by the frontrunners at the wire. Also would use the #4 Bourbon Day (6-1), #7 Capital Idea (4-1), and the #8 Bramito (5-1), if your budget allows it.
Race 11 6:31 MSW 1 1/16 Turf 100K
A tough way to end the sequence, and we think the rail runner #1 Morning Prayer (7-2) is the most likely winner. She has no problem breaking from the rail; last out was in the marooned slot in post 11, and ran a strong 2nd, just losing by a head. Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. retains the mount for trainer Thomas Morley. The #11 Silly Season (2-1) is in a tough spot in post 11, and jockey Flavien Prat will have some work to do, unless there are some scratches to help the cause. Of the two 1st time starters, we like trainer Miguel Clement’s entry, the #3 Lyn’s Legacy (5-1). Tough for a firster to win going long first time out, but Clement hits at 30% with debut runners going a mile or more. Workouts are like clockwork, and jockey Manny Franco takes the mount.
So look at our picks, perhaps use your picks, and let’s come up with some winning combinations. We can play some P3’s or P4’s in the sequence as well.
Be sure to tune in Saturday at 12:30 PM, when myself and partner John Kostin will break down the sequence after scratches and any weather, or other changes. Be sure to tune in on Sports Talk Media Network and multiple streaming apps and social channels.
On a side note, not as huge a soccer aficionado as our Editor in Chief, Sean “The Genius” Miller… but boy, have these World Cup matches been off the charts!! And of course… let’s go USA… USA… USA…
In closing, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to some serious fun, and in the end, Let ‘em Run.
