Belmont Park: Air Quality Threatening Belmont’s Big Day

The next couple of days will be tense for the Belmont Park staff. Canadian wildfires have already forced the cancellation of multiple race cards in the northeast this week.

Belmont Stakes Full Card Selections

Belmont Park – Race 1

Post: 11:20 AM ET; $90k Maiden Special Weight going 6 furlongs on turf; Entries: 12

• #9 LOVE TO SHOP (5-2) is our top selection. Expect her to settle in the second tier of runners and make a well-timed run at the leaders. The 6 furlong distance shouldn't pose any problems for her.
• #4 OOLONG HAI (8-1) appears to be a fringe contender in this field. She could prove to be a dangerous threat if she manages to get loose on the front end.
• #5 ACCEPT THE OUTCOME (7-2) is a strong candidate for underneath positions on most tickets. With the combination of trainer Brown and jockey Ortiz, she should be respected and has a good chance to hit the board.
• #3 ROMAN GODDESS (12-1) is a longshot with potential for a minor placing in this race.

Selections: 9 – 4 – 5 – 3

Belmont Park – Race 2

Post: 11:54 AM ET; $80k Allowance going 7 furlongs on turf; Entries: 11

• #5 U SHOULD B DANCING (8-1) is our top pick. With trainer Rodriguez and jockey Ortiz, she commands respect and appears to be the class of the field.
• #7 ROYAL DANCER (12-1) is a longshot that shouldn't be overlooked. She has displayed performances strong enough to compete against this group.
• #1 I'MHAVINGAMOMENT (5-1) should be competitive in this race. Expect her to settle mid-pack and unleash a late run. Her speed figures support her chances.
• #4 WEEKEND RAGS (3-1) is another contender worth considering. With solid early pace figures and the talented Ortiz in the irons, she should be in the mix. The lack of significant front running speed in the race could work in her favor.

Selections: 5 – 7 – 1 – 4

Belmont Park – Race 3

Post: 12:29 PM ET; $250k True North S. going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 6

• #4 ELITE POWER (4-5) appears to be the standout here. The 6 1/2 furlong distance shouldn't pose any problems for him. He holds the top overall power rating among the group.
• #1 TODAY'S FLAVOR (5-1) should be competitive in this race. With consistently strong pace figures, he should perform well in a moderately paced race. His speed figures make him a logical choice.
• #5 STROBE (2-1) is another strong contender. With a likely position near the lead, he will aim to hold off the competition. Trainer Cox and jockey Geroux make for a formidable combination.
• #2 SYNTHESIS (12-1) is a longshot with a chance to surprise. His speed figures make him a viable option, and the combination of trainer Jacobson and jockey Castellano adds to his appeal.

Selections: 4 – 1 – 5 – 2

Belmont Park – Race 4

Post: 1:06 PM ET; $95k Allowance going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 10

• #9 TWELFTH MAN (6-1) is our top selection. He has demonstrated performances strong enough to beat this group. With recent solid form, he should be primed for a big run here.
• #8 ASMODEUS (6-1) should be competitive in this race. His speed figures make him a logical choice.
• #10 LUNI SIMA (8-1) has a shot in this race. Expect him to settle in the second tier of runners and make a well-timed run at the leaders. He seems to fit well enough in this field.
• #1 AMERICAN LAW (4-1) is another contender to consider. He shouldn't have any trouble with the 7 furlong distance.

Selections: 9 – 8 – 10 – 1

Belmont Park – Race 5

Post: 1:44 PM ET; $200k Poker S. going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 8

• #1 CHEZ PIERRE (1-1) is our top pick. He has shown an ability to handle these conditions in previous starts. With consistently strong pace figures, he should perform well in a moderately paced race.
• #2 EMARAATY (6-1) appears to be a major player in this race. The 1-mile distance shouldn't pose any problems for him.
• #5 ANACONDA (8-1) should be competitive in this spot. His speed figures make him a sensible choice. He has also proven his ability to handle similar conditions in previous races.
• #6 EMMANUEL (9-2) is expected to be competitive. With recent solid form, he seems ready for a strong performance. His speed figures support his chances.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 5 – 6

Belmont Park – Race 6

Post: 2:22 PM ET; $250k Brooklyn S. going 1 1/2 miles on dirt; Entries: 11

• #7 WARRANT (5-2) appears to be the standout here. He looks to be the class of the field and has shown solid recent form.
• #4 BRIGHT FUTURE (4-1) is another major player in this race. With tactical speed, he can sit just off the leaders for a stalk and pounce trip. He seems to fit well in this field.
• #5 NEXT (3-1) is also a strong contender. He seems to fit well enough in this race and could benefit from a hot pace up front.
• #6 FOREWARNED (20-1) is a longshot worth considering. He enters the race in good form and shouldn't have any trouble with the 1 1/2 mile distance.

Selections: 7 – 4 – 5 – 6

Belmont Park – Race 7

Post: 3:02 PM ET; $500k Ogden Phipps S. going 1 1/16 miles on dirt; Entries: 6

• #2 SEARCH RESULTS (4-1) is our top selection. She has shown consistent form in recent starts and appears ready for a strong performance. Having proven her ability to handle these conditions before, she holds a good chance.
• #6 CLAIRIERE (6-5) should be competitive in this spot. With solid recent performances, she is expected to deliver a strong run here. She may benefit from a hot pace up front.
• #4 SECRET OATH (2-1) is a fringe contender in this race. If she gets the right setup, she could pose a threat to the leaders.
• #5 PLAYED HARD (6-1) is another fringe contender. With tactical speed, she can position herself just off the leaders and make a move at the right moment.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 4 – 5

Belmont Park – Race 8

Post: 3:42 PM ET; $400k Woody Stephens S. Presented by Mohegan Sun going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 13

• #4 GENERAL JIM (7-2) appears to be a major player in this race. He has performed solidly in recent starts and should be prepared for a strong showing here. The 7-furlong distance shouldn't pose any problems.
• #11 VICTORY FORMATION (10-1) is our top pick. He makes sense based on his speed figures and holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #8 FORT BRAGG (5-1) is also a major contender. He shouldn't have any trouble with the 7-furlong distance and seems to be the class of the field.
• #13 DREW'S GOLD (8-1) is another strong contender. He makes sense based on speed figures and is likely to be in the first flight of runners, giving him a chance late in the race.

Selections: 4 – 11 – 8 – 13

Belmont Park – Race 9

Post: 4:19 PM ET; $400k Jaipur S. going 6 furlongs on turf; Entries: 16

• #11 CASA CREED (9-2) appears to be the best choice here. He is a good bet to finish in the top positions in this type of race.
• #8 ARREST ME RED (6-1) is also a major player in this race. He has demonstrated performances strong enough to beat this group.
• #12 CARAVEL (3-1) should be competitive in this spot. She makes sense based on speed figures and appears to be the class of the field.
• #3 AIR FORCE RED (12-1) is a longshot worth considering. He looks to be the class of the field, having shown solid recent form and prepared for a strong performance.

Selections: 11 – 8 – 12 – 3

Belmont Park – Race 10

Post: 5:04 PM ET; $1000k Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H. going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 9

• #1 CODY'S WISH (7-5) is our top selection. He may benefit from a hot pace up front and shouldn't have any trouble with the 1-mile distance.
• #6 ZANDON (5-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He has the ability to handle the 1-mile distance and could take advantage of a fast pace.
• #7 REPO ROCKS (4-1) is another strong contender. He has shown performances good enough to beat this group.
• #9 WHITE ABARRIO (10-1) is a price horse worth considering. He shouldn't have any trouble with the 1-mile distance and might benefit from a fast pace.

Selections: 1 – 6 – 7 – 9

Belmont Park – Race 11

Post: 5:54 PM ET; $750k Resorts World Casino Manhattan S. going 1 1/4 miles on turf; Entries: 10

• #5 SOLDIER RISING (12-1) is our top pick, despite being a price horse. He possesses a strong closing kick and should be rolling late, which could secure victory.
• #4 OTTOMAN FLEET (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. With the top overall power rating in the group, he holds a strong chance.
• #6 RED KNIGHT (8-1) should be competitive in this spot and looks to be the class of the field.
• #7 ROCKEMPEROR (12-1) is another price horse to consider. He also looks to be the class of the field and should be competitive.

Selections: 5 – 4 – 6 – 7

Belmont Park – Race 12

Post: 7:02 PM ET; $1500k Belmont S. Presented by NYRA Bets going 1 1/2 miles on dirt; Entries: 9

• #6 FORTE (5-2) appears to be the strongest contender. He has shown solid recent performances and seems to fit well in this race.
• #7 HIT SHOW (10-1) is a price horse to watch. He has been performing solidly in recent starts and should be ready for a big performance.
• #8 ANGEL OF EMPIRE (7-2) is another major player in this race. He could be a dangerous threat if he gets loose on the front end.
• #2 TAPIT TRICE (3-1) should be competitive in this spot. With the Pletcher barn and Saez in the irons, he holds good chances.

Selections: 6 – 7 – 8 – 2

Belmont Park – Race 13

Post: 7:47 PM ET; $80k Allowance going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 12

• #2 LET'S GO BIG BLUE (4-1) is our top selection. He shouldn't have any trouble with the 1 1/16-mile distance. Although he will likely have a lot to do in the lane, he has the potential to make a competitive run.
• #5 SELL SOMETHING (8-1) appears to be a major player in this race. With really consistent pace figures, he should perform well in a moderately paced race.
• #10 SHPILKES (8-1) is another strong contender. He has proven to handle these conditions in previous starts, which makes him a serious threat.
• #11 KING OF COMEDY (20-1) is a price horse that shouldn't be underestimated. He shouldn't have any trouble with the 1 1/16-mile distance and possesses consistent pace figures that can work well in a moderately paced race.

Selections: 2 – 5 – 10 – 11