Thursday TimeformUS Highlight Horse: Stretch-out should suit Klickitat

Belmont at the Big A | Race 8 | Post Time 4:22 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up

If this race stays on the turf, I would struggle to know what to do with Call Me Harry (#2). He comes in with the best last-out speed figure, earned for beating an open N1X field at Saratoga going this same once mile distance. He’s now dropping slightly off that win to race for a tag against state-breds, and he’s found himself in a race where he once again appears to be the controlling speed. The problem is that I liked him at 11-1 last time, and now he figures to vie for favoritism despite the fact that he’s hardly proven over route distances in the long term. I won’t be surprised when he wins again, but I wanted to find an alternative.

One of those to consider is Catch That Party (#3), who has been in great form recently for Mike Maker. He’s seeking his third victory in a row as he ascends the class ladder. However, he also lacks early speed, and seems like one who will be particularly compromised by a potential slow pace.

I’m instead going to KLICKITAT (#5) as my top pick. He possesses better tactical speed than most other contenders in this field, so he should be able to work out a trip tracking Call Me Harry. He could only manage to finish fourth first off the claim for Linda Rice last time, but that felt like it was purely a prep going a shorter distance. He actually ran well considering his trip, as he was pushed out 4 wide on the far turn. His prior form at this level makes him pretty formidable, and Rice is in the midst of a strong meet.

THE PLAY

WIN: #5 Klickitat, at 9-5 or greater