McGee: Belmont pick five play for Saturday, July 18
The later races on the final Saturday of the Belmont meet appear extremely tough, so I’ll pick my spots early by pairing up a race 2 single with the two favorites in the Saginaw (race 3) and spreading elsewhere in trying to nail a caveman-style pick five.
The race 2 single is FIRST BID (1), who was a two-back winner for this same $25,000 price and can be forgiven for his latest when overmatched in starter-allowance company. He can sit a nice trip under title-seeking Irad Ortiz Jr. when stalking a speed-filled lineup that includes the vulnerable favorites Moe Man, Private Tale, and I’m Steppin It Up.
The Saginaw sure seems to boil down quickly to SARATOGA SNACKS (3) and EMPIRE DREAMS (4).
Otherwise, we’ll leave out favorites such as Mandolin Wins in race 1, Attractive Ride in race 4, and Vigilante in race 5 while trying to catch a price or two.
:: Build your pick five ticket with DRF TicketMaker
Here’s the ticket:
Race 1 – 1, 5, 6, 8
Race 2 – 1
Race 3 – 3, 4
Race 4 – 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9
Race 5 – 5, 6, 8, 11
50-cent ticket = $96