Illman: Belmont Park pick four play for Saturday, June 8, 2019

Today's $1.5 million-guaranteed pick four is one of the featured entrees on today's Belmont Stakes Day betting menu. Video previews for these races can be found at video.drf.com.

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Race 8 - Woody Stephens Stakes

Mind Control (9) is consistent, well drawn, and has been pointing for this race since earlier in the spring. Already a Grade 1 winner at this seven-furlong distance, Mind Control is the most accomplished horse in the race and is a deserving favorite on the morning line. Honest Mischief (1) couldn't have been more impressive when winning his maiden at Keeneland for Chad Brown. The inside post could pose an issue, but this colt has talent. Nitrous (6) took advantage of a hot pace to win at Oaklawn and will likely get a similar setup in this race. Wendell Fong (11) might have moved way up last time because of the wet track, but I have a feeling he's just coming into his own for a hot trainer:

A: 1, 9

B: 6, 11

Race 9 - Metropolitan Handicap

This race has the appearance of an all-out war and is, arguably, the strongest race on the card. Coal Front (1) reeled in a loose pacesetter in Dubai despite being hung out four paths wide for most of the race. He has blossomed since returning from injury and can tuck in behind the early speeds. McKinzie (2) got class and distance relief last time out and scored at Churchill with a visually-impressive effort. He seems very effective at these shorter distances. Thunder Snow (4) ships in after winning his second consecutive Dubai World Cup. This distance might be a bit sharp for him, but he should benefit from strong splits up front. Firenze Fire (7) is a sharp horse-for-course that can work out a good trip outside of horses in the second flight

A: 1, 2

B: 4, 7

Race 10 - Manhattan Stakes

Many will single Bricks and Mortar (8) as he looms one of the shorter-priced horses in the sequence and his merits are pretty obvious on paper. I would prefer more coverage in the form of the sharp Channel Maker (10), who needs to be close to the pace as he shortens up in distance; Raging Bull (1), a rare Chad Brown price horse that should benefit from the addition of blinkers; Qurbaan (4), a consistent performer who improved with blinkers last time out; and Olympico (7), who flew home in his North American debut for Brown.

A: 8, 10

B: 1, 4, 7

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Race 11 - Belmont Stakes

The two favorites should be very tough in this year's Belmont. War of Will (9) has the tactical speed to work out a great stalking trip and he should be prominent when the real racing begins on the final turn. Tacitus (10) was charging late in the Derby and seems like a horse that is coming into his own for Bill Mott. Sir Winston (7) and Intrepid Heart (8) have the benefit of races over the track. Both horses are stoutly bred, but Intrepid Heart has more tactical speed, a seemingly important asset for this race.

A: 9, 10

B: 7, 8

Good luck with all of your wagers!