Hammersly: Belmont Park pick four for Saturday, Oct. 8

Breeders’ Cup preps abound, and trainer Chad Brown may prove the key to the first two legs.

Race 8

FAVORABLE OUTCOME (5) was one of the most impressive juvenile winners at Saratoga this summer for trainer Chad Brown, who has since said he has high hopes for this guy. BIG GRAY ROCKET (6) looked super blasting rivals at Del Mar for Bob Baffert. Baffert, of course, has done well when shipping to the East, and the son of Tapit continues to work strongly. SYNDEGAARD (3) is unbeaten and untested in two starts, leading every step of the way. Those did come vs. statebreds; he’s facing tougher, open foes here. PRACTICAL JOKE (1) is a proven commodity for Brown. He romped in his debut at Saratoga and then gamely won the Grade 1 Hopeful there.

A’s) 5, 6
B’s) 1, 3
C’s) None

Race 9

BEACH PATROL (10) was a very troubled third in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby here July 9 and then won the Grade 1 Secretariat on Aug. 13, so he’s the one to beat. CAMELOT KITTEN (1) continues his strong form and gives trainer Brown another big look at this. His only poor outing this year came when he was asked to go longer. AMERICAN PATRIOT (3) chased a really promising sort when fourth in the Grade 2 Commonwealth Derby at Laurel last time and had trouble. He nearly beat the top pick in the Secretariat.

A’s) 1, 10
B’s) 3
C’s) None

Race 10

EFFINEX (6) won the Grade 2 Suburban here this summer before being an even fourth in the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga. He’s been freshened and returns to what may be his favorite track. MUBTAAHIJ (2) ran third to EFFINEX in the Suburban and was then an excellent second in the Grade 1 Woodward last time out. He may be sitting on a win. HOPPERTUNITY (3) is a tough old pro who can win a top race like this on his best day. Trainer Baffert skipped Santa Anita’s Grade 1 Awesome Again with him last week to go here instead.

A’s) 2, 6
B’s) 3
C’s) None

Race 11

ORDINAIRE (8) has the speed to be prominent from the start. A good second at this level last month shows he’s a good fit, and Saturday’s slightly shorter trip may play better for him. LEAD BY EXAMPLE (9) was very wide into the lane but finished well to be third going shorter at this level here Sept. 17. The extra half-furlong helps. MR HARLAN (6) comes off two smart, rallying seconds and may be ready to finally break through this level. PROPHET’S CAT (10) was no threat when fifth behind a couple of these here Sept. 17, but a return to his best form makes him a threat.

A’s) 8, 9
B’s) 6
C’s) 10