Belmont: DRF Plus handicapping report for October 26, 2013

Race 1

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Race 2

SPOT PLAY

KING OF BROADWAY (#6, 4-1) might be the default leader in this one-turn mile, and if he gets away with a forward trip on top of mild fractions he may well be able to get the jump on favorites ENGINE and WARRIOR'S CROWN. -Kenny Peck

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Race 3

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Race 4

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Race 5

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Race 6

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Race 7

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Race 8

Bold Ruler Analysis

Not much speed lining up in six-pack Bold Ruler, which plays to the strength of well-posted STRAPPING GROOM (#6, 9-5), who surprisingly enough has become one of the top sprinters on the east coast this summer, even picking up a Grade 1 winner in the sloppy Forego, a race in which he dueled his way clear early. He’s the horse to beat, but I’ve thought all year that the older sprinters were weak, and have been waiting for the chance to play the 3yo’s against them. I’ll take that opportunity now, and try CLEARLY NOW (#5, 6-1) to post a mild upset. Clearly Now is very unlucky to only be 1-for-6 to this point in the year, as demonstrated by the fact that since his Grade 3 win in the Swale at Gulfstream, he has been right there in all four starts, coming up short by about 2 lengths – COMBINED. I could argue that he was best in each of his three losses on the dirt, contesting fast paces while wide in both the Bay Shore & Woody Stephens, and getting stuck on a four-wide chase at Parx last time.

Clearly Now has the positional speed to keep the pace in range here, and I’ll bet him to win and in exactas with Strapping Groom, and use mostly those two in the multi’s. - Mike Beer

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Race 9

Turnback The Alarm Analysis

Another short field for this Grade 3, and one lacking in any true graded stakes quality performers, but there is, at least, some speed on paper. In theory, that is supposed to help ML favorite CENTRING (#6, 2/1), but I’m going to shoot for a better price with a horse who looks like a speed, but in reality should be able to make a run from somewhere off the pace. That horse is LADY COHIBA (#3, 6/1) who has made the pace in both starts since returning from the layoff, but was effective from off the pace throughout her 3yo season, and will be well served by reverting to those tactics Saturday.

I’m betting that she does that, and will play her to win, and in exactas with both Centring and ROYAL LAHAINA (#7, 6/1) who can win, but figures to be underlaid due to the trainer change to Pletcher. - Mike Beer

VULNERABLE FAVORITE

CENTRING (#6, 2-1) hoping the drop from G1 company and the accompanying company lines results in this one being overbet; will use a couple of them drawn inside her in multi race wagers. - Chuck Kuehhas

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Race 10

LIVE LONGSHOT

SUILLEABHAIN (#3, 8-1) Returned immediate dividends winning first off the claim opening weekend at the meet, posting a new Beyer top; down in class and distance after even try in more advanced optional claiming condition, may rebound in wide open finale.

-Dave Litfin

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