Horse Racing Picks: Belmont at the Big A R4, Keeneland Sycamore (G2) & Santa Anita R7
Belmont at the Big A Race 4
5 Kulapat didn’t get the best of trips last out when finishing a badly beaten 7th versus a bit tougher. Colt’s lone race over the blades here was a good third versus a salty group of Maiden Special Weights back in May. This son of Bernardini fits well with these and the 8-1 morning line is rather juicy. Win Contender
7 Hamilton’s Way has only one trip to the winner’s circle in 18 career starts but now runs for the Brad Cox barn who hits at a sweet 30% winners with newbies to his stable. Win Contender
2 Ennius Town exits from a solid second place finish versus similar and sports a recent bullet. Major Player
Selections 5-7-2-1
Keeneland Race 9 Sycamore Stakes Grade 2
10 Ohana Honor came back off an 10-month layoff to run second to a very good horse in the 500k Tapit Stakes at Kentucky Downs. Roan makes his second start off the bench for trainer Shug McGaughey. Last time this 5 year old made his second start off an extended layoff, he won by over 5 at this distance here on the Keeneland turf. Top Pick
5 Grand Sonata has been an inconsistent sort but has held his own versus some stiff competition, finishing second to the likes of Fort Washington and Redistricting. He was compromised by a slow pace in the G2 Turf Cup last out but was still making up ground in the stretch drive. A faster pace upfront today will benefit this late running son of Medaglia d’ Oro. Win Contender
3 Mercante has a strong chance to take this field gate to wire today with the lack of early speed signed on today. Don’t sleep on this 8-1 shot. Major Threat
Selections 10-5-3-4
Santa Anita Race 7
7 Paradise Lake launched a late rally to finish third by a half length versus similar foes. Filly gets upgrade in the jockey department and sports three strong works in a row. I expect this daughter of Uncle Mo to handle this field today. Top Pick
6 Khinjani hasn’t shown that much in her last two races at Del Mar but I’ll forgive those efforts as this Mare was facing tougher. She now gets back to Santa Anita where she seems to do her best running. She’s shown a nice late turn of foot and likely gets an ideal pace scenario upfront to set up her late kick. Live Longshot
4 Certitude had reeled off 3 straight victories over this Santa Anita turf versus lesser. Filly has yet to win at this level in her last two starts but has been competitive. She stretches out today and I’m not convinced she wants all of this mile and an eighth distance today. Use Underneath