Thursday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Clyde’s Runner’s tactical speed gives him an advantage

Belmont | Race 5 | Post Time 3:07 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

It seems like Chad Brown has had trouble figuring out exactly where Variant Perception (#7) belongs from a class perspective. He hastily dropped him in for a tag back in April, but then reversed course and targeted tougher N1X allowance races more recently. He ran well against a tough foe in King of Spades at Monmouth two back, but then disappointed at Saratoga last time. He had a minor excuse given his rough trip through the opening furlongs that day, but he did little running thereafter. He now is dropping and just seems to have a slight class edge on this group, though I wouldn’t want to take too short of a price.

Inscom would have also attracted some support in this race, but the connections of that horse have instead decided to start his stablemate Business Cycle, who has little turf pedigree.

I want to take a shot with CLYDE’S RUNNER (#4). The change in tactics has yielded results for this gelding this season. He showed newfound speed in his May return when wiring a field going 6 furlongs, and was then compromised by a slow pace when reverting to his former closing style on June 30. He had no trouble stretching out when again aggressively ridden last time, and he was able to hold on for the victory over next-out winner Mo Gee. There isn’t a ton of speed in this race, so he should get another favorable trip, and the one-turn mile seems perfect for him.

THE PLAY

Win: 4
Exacta Key Box: 4 with 2,5,7
Trifecta: 4 with 7 with 1,2,3,5,8