Sunday’s TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Two longshots to consider in a difficult 8th race

Belmont | Race 8 | Post Time 5:13 p.m. (ET) | Go to the FREE TimeformUS PPs

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This is the most interesting race on the card. Nevisian Sky (#2) figures to be favored. He ran well when stretched out in both of his starts at Saratoga, finishing second to two talented runners. Getting back to this one-mile distance should suit him, but there are many other contenders to consider, and I wouldn’t want to take a very short price on this horse. Converge (#4) bolted into the clubhouse turn last time and now makes his first start for Mark Hennig, who rarely claims horses. He should also appreciate this slight turnback in distance. I’ll use both of these, but I’m most interested in two longshots.

My top pick is WICKED FREUD (#12). This horse has just been facing tougher company in all of his recent starts. He was obviously no match for stakes-placed Delta Prince last time, but he also got the wrong trip as he was wide for much of the way and too close to the pace. He’s always been better around one turn, and I think he’s going to really appreciate the return to this one-mile distance at Belmont.

At a bigger price, I also want to use DREAM DOCTOR (#11). I’m not sure that he’s quite as talented as the aforementioned runners, but he did get an impossible trip last time, racing four wide around both turns before tiring late. His return in July at Belmont was decent, and he would have an outside chance here if he could step forward off that effort.

THE PLAY

Win: 12

Win/Place: 11

Exacta Key Box: 11,12 with 2,4,11,12,13

Trifecta: 12 with 2,4,11 with 2,4,9,11,13