Friday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Added distance should benefit Landbiscuit

Belmont | Race 11 | Post Time 6:22 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

I’m a little disappointed about the scratch of Mutasallem (#3), as I wanted to play against him, preferring another of the runners exiting that fast maiden event won by Shaftesbury. Cambi Lion (#5) got held up when looking for a clear path at the top of the stretch and was just hitting his best stride late. Contrary to his pedigree, being out of the excellent sprinter Cambiocorsa, he gives the impression that he can handle added ground. I’m using both of them, but there are others to consider.

My top pick is LANDBISCUIT (#8). I’ve been waiting for this horse to get the chance to stretch out in distance. Yet even going shorter route trips, he’s displayed ability while progressively improving. He outran his odds in his first couple of starts at Gulfstream, prompting a private purchase prior to his last race. Pitted against a very tough field for the level, he launched a solid late rally but couldn’t get close to impressive winner St. Joe Louis, who may be bound for stakes company. I think that late kick of his will be more effective over this longer trip. There’s a ton of stamina breeding on his dam’s side, as she’s by Dynaformer and is a half-sister to Epsom Derby (12-furlong) winner Kris Kin and a full sister to excellent hurdler Cause of Causes, who was second in the 2017 Aintree Grand National (4.3 miles). He needs some pace to close into, so I’m hoping that Jose Lezcano can get him in gear early enough to reach contention.

I also would throw in longshot Snow’s Island (#11) at a big price. He had little chance going this distance last time when hung out wide every step of the way.

THE PLAY

Win: 8

Exacta key box: 8 with 5, 7, 11

Trifecta: 8 with 5, 11 with 1, 2, 5, 7, 11