Belmont at the Big A | Race 9 | Post Time 5:18 p.m. (ET) TimeformUS PPs are now available on drf.com. Go to shop.drf.com and use coupon code NYRATF23 to get one free TimeformUS card. Among those who are likely to vie for favoritism in this N1X allowance, I’m most afraid of Sundaewithsandy (#1). This horse didn’t have his best chance last time when they elected to rate him off a moderate early tempo. He’s generally best when he can make the lead, and he figures to be hustled to the front by Kendrick Carmouche this time. His top speed figures arguably make him the horse to beat, but he has generally been most effective against New York-bred company. Set Sail (#8) finished one spot ahead of Sundaeswithsandy when they met in that Aug. 20 race, but he had all the best of it on the front end that day, using his rail draw to his advantage. It could be a different story this time now that he’s drawn the outside post. There are some lightly raced runners to consider, including Register (#6), who returns from a layoff following a poor effort in the Private Terms when last seen. He was game to break his maiden going a mile on Feb. 18 with a strong speed figure, but the form of that race hasn’t held up so well over time, and he has much to prove in this return. Certified Loverboy (#7) also has upside and could be a better price. He won his maiden race in an off-the-turf event last time, but he earned a solid speed figure in doing so, finishing powerfully through the final eighth. He had shown some talent early on, and appears to be improving with each start this year. Ray Handal is 7 for 37 (19%, $2.85 ROI) with last-out maiden winners on dirt over five years. My top pick is Luni Sima (#2). This 4-year-old has had more chances at this level than many in here, but this didn’t come up as tough an N1X field as we typically see on this circuit. He obviously went off form when last seen in early summer, but he had run plenty of competitive races going back to last winter at Aqueduct. He handles a one-turn mile without issue, and has run well over wet tracks at Aqueduct. I’m also intrigued that he’s returning as a new gelding, especially since he shows some strong workouts for his return.