Belmont Stars and Stripes Day Preview

Belmont Derby Invitational (Grade 1)

The Pick: #4 Adelaide

The Longshot:#6 Dance With Fate

Race Analysis:

#1 Toast of New York – Definitely should be the favorite and could be a total freak.  Only question mark is how well he will ship.

#2 Sheldon – In WAAAAY over his head.

#3 Bobby’s Kitten – He’s back to doing what he loves, now can he beat the big boys in a Grade 1?  Toughest challenge of his career…

#4 Adelaide – Any horse O’Brien brings here is dangerous, especially one with this kind of talent.

#5 Flamboyant – Has ran decent in two ungraded stakes here in the states, but this is a whole other ball game.

#6 Dance With Fate – This is what his trainer wanted to do with him all along: Run on turf!  Think he has a monster chance today.

#7 Gailo Chop – Winner of five races in seven tries overseas…need we say more?  Serious contender.

#8 Pornichet – Another European invaded, although this one doesn’t have as strong of a resume as the others.  However, still very dangerous

#9 Mr. Speaker – In a normal U.S. turf stakes field he’d have a big shot…today maybe not so much.

#10 Global View – He’s bred for races like this, but might not be good enough for this tough spot.  Will take his best effort.

#11 Gala Award – Has been great on the turf, but this is definitely a major step up.  Not sure he’s ready to handle it, but wouldn’t be a total shock.

Belmont Oaks Invitational (Grade 1)

The Pick:#7 Xcellence

The Longshot:#3 My Conquestadory

Race Analysis:

#1 Goldy Espony – As always European shippers are dangerous, and she’s in the right hands to make a huge impact in this race.

#2 Room Service – Back to back Grade 1 winner could be America’s best hope in this one.

#3 My Conquestadory – Not at all concerned with her second place effort in her return to the races.  Think that prep set her up nicely for this one.

#4 Summer Solo – She’s a perfect three for three, but this is a hell of a spot for her first try against stakes company.

#5 Flying Jib – Has won three straight races overseas…could be a beast.

#6 Rosalind – Might fit into this race fairly well, although I don’t think she’s fast enough to win.  Maybe gets a piece of it with a top effort.

#7 Xcellence – Ran third two straight times against tough fields…this might actually be a class drop for her which makes her the most likely to win in my opinion.

#8 Wonderfully – Maybe the only Euro shipper of the day that doesn’t look to be good enough.

#9 Minorette – Came to the U.S. with a light resume and hasn’t done much since getting here.  Looks overmatched.

#10 Recepta – Nice horse…tough spot

#11 Sea Queen – Winner of two in row is heading in the right direction.  With another improvement she could end up making some noise.

Suburban Handicap (Grade 2)

The Pick:#5 Last Gunfighter

The Longshot:#10 Mylute

Race Analysis:

#1 Micromanage – After an up and down 2013, this horse is coming into his own this year.  Wouldn’t be shocking at all to see him win.

#2 Ever Rider – Always runs solid races, just usually falls a bit short.

#3 Zivo – Great test for a New York bred that doesn’t know how to lose.  His best effort might be good enough here.

#4 Norumbega – Won the mile and a half Brooklyn last time out, so we know distance won’t be an issue.  Could just be a marathon specialist though.

#5 Last Gunfighter – Quietly goes about his business in a workman like effort.  With no true “super stars” in the field I think he grinds out a victory.

#6 Romansh – Solid effort in the Met Mile against way tougher than he’ll face today.  Has every chance to win.

#7 Prayer for Relief – Can sometimes jump up and run a surprising race…older horse just keeps on bringing it.

#8 Stormin Monarcho – Giant allowance wins at Delaware, but the waters get deeper today.

#9 Vyjack – Why run him 10 furlongs??  Don’t understand why he’s running in this spot.

#10 Mylute – He’s struggling to recapture his three year old form, but his fourth place Stephen Foster effort might be better than it looked.

#11 Moreno – Your guess is as good as mine…

Belmont Sprint Championship Stakes (Grade 3)

The Pick:#2 Central Banker

The Longshot:#7 Salutos Amigos

Race Analysis:

#1 Declan’s Warrior – The distance looks right for him, but is he good enough?  Having trouble finding his form in 2014.

#2 Central Banker – If he repeats his Churchill Downs Stakes effort he’s clearly the best.

#3 Clearly Now – Always seems to be close to breaking through with a big win, but just can’t get there.  Play underneath.

#4 Moonlight Song – Had been cleaning up in smaller races, but this class jump is just too much for him.

#5 Dads Caps – Pulled off the upset two races back in the Carter, but struggled in the True North next time out.  Think he runs better here, but not expecting win.

#6 Mezzano – Has been running at the smaller venues lately, but his best race gives him a shot to hit the board.

#7 Salutos Amigos – Since the trainer switch this one has ran extremely well.  Was third in the True North last time out, but should improve off that effort.

#8 Big Screen – Odd spot for a horse that made his 2014 debut on turf.  He can dirt too…but not at this level.

#9 Palace – Winner of the True North looks for a nice double here, but is seven furlongs a touch long?  His past performances suggests it might be.

Dwyer Stakes (Grade 3)

The Pick:#5 Tiz Dark

The Longshot:#3 Ulanbator

Race Analysis:

#1 Kid Cruz – Trying graded stakes company again, and this is a much easier spot than his last try.  Should have every chance to win.

#2 Spot – Had a big win in the Swale, but not much since.  Stretching out again here…not sure if that’s the best thing.

#3 Ulanbator – Ran an impressive second to Tapiture last time out, and this race doesn’t look to be all that tough.

#4 Captain Serious – Has won three straight races in a row, but they’ve been against stakes bred company…is he ready for a big class test?

#5 Tiz Dark – Huge Belmont maiden winner last time out, think he wheels back here and makes it two in a row.

#6 Gaining Ground – Was rolling along pretty good before getting beaten badly in the Calder Derby.  Odd place for him to show up…