Belmont at the Big A (R6 Joseph A. Gimma & R7), Churchill Downs R9 & Fairmount Park St. Louis Derby – Expert Picks & Predictions
Belmont at the Big A Race 6 Joseph A. Gimma Stakes
1 Arinata was able to close into a tepid pace in debut and defeated a large field while sprinting on the blades at the Spa. Filly came home very quick in the last quarter mile despite the slow fractions upfront. Gal looked mighty professional in that debut and any move forward off that smashing debut, puts her right there at the wire. Win Contender
9 Sacred Goddess ran an even 4th when taking on winners for the first time off her Maiden score. She was facing a bit tougher horses that day versus open company. Filly now gets back versus NY Breds. She fits well here. Win Contender
3 Trading Trouble was a non-factor at Kentucky Downs when stepping up in class off her maiden win. I’m going to forgive that effort as she was taken on open company and the unique and difficult turf course at Kentucky Downs. Her Maiden win two back was quite impressive. Filly pressed a fast pace and kept on well to draw off to a 2-length victory at the Spa. This is a much more realistic spot than her KD effort. Major Threat
Selections 1-9-3-6
Belmont at the Big A Race 7
4 Intentious exits from a strong second at this level last out in which this Filly ran a career top that day despite a bad bobble at the starting gate. This David Dugan trainee seems to be rounding into form and should be able to handle this underwhelming group. Top Pick
1 Valentine Gift showed some late interest after being outrun early at this level on the green at the Spa. Filly ended finishing up 4th that day after an uneventful trip. She goes turf to dirt today, last time she ran off that angle, she was victorious. Live Longshot
6 Second Chance should benefit from second time lasix and the cut back in distance. Don’t Ignore
Selections 4-1-6-8
Churchill Downs Race 9
1 Foie Gras has put in two very efforts while finishing second in her last two starts for trainer Steve Asmussen. Filly sports the highest dirt speed figures of this group and has finished ahead of multiple horses who are entered in here today. The 9-2 morning line would be a gift come post time on this daughter of Volatile. Top Pick
2 Trouble in Love has yet finish outside the Superfecta in 4 lifetime starts while sporting one trip to the winners circle. Filly has been idle for over 5 months but the work tab looks tight. If trainer Brad Cox has this one near 100% fit, she’ll be tough to beat in here. Win Contender
8 Lady of Silence goes turf to dirt for a trainer who hits at a sweet 29% winners off that scenario. Draw a line through this one’s turf effort last out. Her dirt form fits well here. She likely outruns her 20-1 morning line odds today. Live Longshot
Selections 1-2-8-9
Fairmount Park Race 8 Saint Louis Derby
1 Disco Time was my Kentucky Derby Futures pick after he won the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Unfortunately, this Brad Cox trainee went down with an injury. This Colt is unbeaten in 3 career starts but hasn’t seen race day in over 8 months. He’s been training up exceptionally at Churchill Downs and I expect this talented son of Not this Time to fire today despite the extended layoff. Top Pick
11 Chunk of Gold exits from a 4-length victory in the Grade 3 West Virginia Derby and this Colts work tab has been dotted with bullets since. Connections change tactics in the West Virginia win by sending this Colt early and he rewarded his connections with a gate to wire victory. Not sure they want to use those tactics today as he has drawn the 11-hole. The 3-2 morning line on this Ethan West trainee seems a bit low. I’ll try to beat this favorite today. Win Contender
5 Admiral Dennis ran a disappointing third last out as the odds on favorite in the Ellis Park Derby. If this son of Constitution can run back to his Delaware Derby victory where he won by over three lengths with 104 dirt Bris number, he can definitely win this 250K race. Major Threat