Thursday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Klickitat’s recent form stronger than it appears

Belmont | Race 5 | Post Time 4:11 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

Ghost Giant and Klickitat exit the same open N1X race on closing day at Saratoga. Ghost Giant (#9) finished one placing and about two lengths ahead of Klickitat, but he worked out the better trip. That Rob Atras trainee didn’t have an ideal trip by any means, going three wide on both the clubhouse and far turns, but he had his chance in the stretch and just wasn’t good enough.

KLICKITAT (#6), on the other hand, was even wider, racing four to five paths off the rail on both turns. He was dealt a bad hand breaking from the outside post position that day and could never overcome it. According to Trakus, Klickitat covered 72 more feet than the eventual winner, and 29 more feet than Ghost Giant. He also didn't get a great trip two back when he was three wide around both turns facing another tough field of open-company rivals. This Jimmy Jerkens pupil should appreciate getting back to Belmont Park where he won at this level in July. I would expect him to be more forwardly placed under Eric Cancel, who rode him well in that most recent victory. I think he’s still in pretty solid form, and the drop in class back into New York-bred company should suit him.

The other horse that I’d use is Regal Speaker (#7), who was improving when last seen in early summer. I’m not sure why he never made a start in Saratoga, as he was training up there all summer. However, he goes out for a dangerous barn and could still be on the upswing.

THE PLAY

Win: 6

Exacta: 6 with 4,7,9

Trifecta: 6 with 7,9 with 4,5,7,9